WGN Morning News Blog

Because of the earthquake coverage, this week's reviews never made it on the air. And so my 12 hours of time that I spent seeing the movies and writing the reviews doesn't go to waste, here's what I think of this week's offerings. Tell me what you think of them!
Dean

“Forgetting Sarah Marshall”
The big one comes from the creators of "40 Year Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up.”

"Forgetting Sarah Marshall" is your must-see movie of the weekend. Judd Apatow serves up another silly, sexual, sweet story about a lovable dope who escapes to Hawaii to get over being dumped by his TV star, girlfriend; the same place that the girlfriend goes with her new, rock star boyfriend.

Jason Segel, a "Freaks and Geeks", "Knocked up" and "How I Met Your Mother" co-star, wrote the movie and stars as the lovable mope. Kristen Bell from "Veronica Mars" is the girlfriend.

Like most Apatow films, this one is laugh out loud funny as our heart broken hero tries to move on; only digging himself deeper into depression with one hilarious scenario after another. The writing is wonderfully silly...and ultimately sweet but the performances here enhance everything.

Segal and Bell are great...but the deep cast of amazing, supporting characters that make "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" worth remembering. There’s the British rocker boyfriend; Russell Brand; the rebound girlfriend, Mila Kunis from “That 70’s show”; Paul Rudd as a burnt out surf instructor; Jack McBrayer, Kenneth from “30 Rock”, Jonah Hill and SNL’s Bill Hader.

Be aware, it earns it's "R" rating with plenty of sexual content and even some unexpected, albeit courageous frontal nudity from Segal.

A solid Dean's List "A."

“88 Minutes”
Next, is "88 minutes", a who-dun-it, thriller starring Al Pacino as an FBI shrink on whom the clock is ticking, when he gets a phone call saying he has only 88 minutes to live after he testifies against a serial killer sending him to death row.

My two questions? When did Pacino start going to Earl Schieb to get his hair dyed...and when did he start thinking that "shouting" his dialogue was better than speaking it; which is what he does for about "88" of the "108" minutes of this movie.

Aside from that, it’s been a while since we've had a good who-dun it. "88 minutes" drags in its first half...but pays off toward the end.

A not-awful, Dean's List "C.”

“Forbidden Kingdom”
In "Forbidden Kingdom", Jackie Chan and Jet Li are together for the first time in a predictable, story based on an ancient Chinese legend too complex to explain...and too pointless to explain. The story is so-so, but the bottom-line is if you like martial arts movies you'll like this. A high kicking, but nothing new, Dean's List "C."

“Zombie Strippers”
"Zombie Strippers" stars Robert Englund, Freddie from "Nightmare on Elm Street" and adult film star, Jenna Jameson in a bloody, horror-slasher-stripper romp that's 90 minutes of camp, naked bodies and flesh eating.
A Dean's List "B Negative."

“Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden”
Morgan Spurlock of "Super Size Me" fame's latest is a Michael Moore-like search for the world's most wanted terrorist. It’s half tongue in cheek but, half thoughtful, humanizing look at a people who aren't all that different from us. A Dean's List "B."

“Young@Heart”
An inspiring story of a New England senior citizens chorus who rock the house with The Clash, Coldplay and James Brown. If you're feeling a little tired on this Friday morning, "Young@Heart" will make you feel like you can accomplish anything, no matter what your age. An inspiring Dean's List "B+."

Posted by Dean Richards at 8:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Ok, Ok...you can all stop emailing me asking about it. The new DVD of the week is "Juno."
It's a great movie....funny, touching, brilliantly written by Lemont's own, Diablo Cody. She won the Oscar for it. The 2-Disc DVD includes commentary by director Jason Reitman and scriptwriter Diablo Cody, 11 deleted scenes, gag reel, gag take, cast and crew jam, screen tests, plus several featurettes.

My personal favorite of the week is one I watched on my flight from Chicago to new York this past weekend. It's South Park's "Imagination Land", a 65 minite mini-movie....hilarious!

The other new DVDs this week are below. Tell me what you recommend...
Dean

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
The Final Season
I Want Someone To Eat Eheese With
Lars and the Real Girl
War/ Dance
Melrose Place: Season 4
A Passage to India: Collectors Edition
A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila: Season 1
Spongebob Square Pants: Pest of the West
Alien Nation: Ulimate Movie Collection
American Bullfighter
Loch Ness Terror
Daytona 500: 50 Years of the Great American Race
College Hill: Interns
The Pied Piper of Hutzovina
Diana: Queen of Hearts
American Dad: Vol 3
Nick Jr. Favorites: Lullaby Time
In the Name of the King: a Dungeon Siege Tale

Posted by Dean Richards at 1:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

After Oprah Winfrey endorsed Obama, a Gallup poll in October found that Winfrey's support made "no difference" for 81 percent of the respondents; 10 percent said her endorsement made them "more likely to vote against" Obama got us wondering who cares about the parade of show biz types making sure we know who they like. Take a look at my story on "Celebrities on the Stump" and leave your opinions. Personally, I'd love to hear who the contestants on "Top Model" like. They all seem so thoughtful and well-read.

Dean

Posted by Dean Richards at 9:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES
The best movie of the week is a family film adventure, based on a best selling novel. "The Spiderwick chronicles" has got siblings fighting off creatures in the spooky old house they've just moved into.

Goblins, fairies and ogres are not happy with the new inhabitants where the one time owner hid some powerful secrets in a book that the creatures want.

The kids and some friendly creatures have to protect the book at all costs and it’s there that "The Spiderwick Chronicles" delivers one of the most exciting and inventive mythical adventures that we've seen in a long time. It never gets bogged down in confusing terminology; it’s loaded with cool effects and always with a sense of humor.

Freddie Highmore, who we know from "Finding Neverland" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" turns in his usual great performance...in fact, two performances, as twin brothers.

"The Spiderwick Chronicles" is well made...perfect for the kids...and won't bore the grown ups. A Dean's List "B+."

DEFINITELY, MAYBE
More kids in movies this week!! This time, Abigail Breslin, from Little Miss Sunshine, only she's saying and doing things that are very grown up in "Definitely Maybe"; a clever comedy-love story-mystery about a single dad, "Just Friends', Ryan Reynolds, explaining to his daughter how he met her mom.

It’s a nostalgic blast from the early 90's as Reynolds shows off his considerable comedy-skills, but also balancing this well written story about his past loves, well-played by Mrs. Sasha Baron Cohen, Isla Fischer and Oscar winner Rachel Weisz.

Romantic comedies always so predictable. "Definitely Maybe" is definitely, the opposite. A refreshing Dean's List "B+."

JUMPER
Finally, there's Samuel l. Jackson and Hayden Christensen in "Jumper." It’s the story of a young man who discovers that he's got the ability to transport himself from one place to another instantly.

For reasons, not completely explained, he’s being hunted down by a cult of people including "Samuel L", who hunts down and kills the jumpers.

The effects here are great but the storyline is a pretty thin. Still, I had fun with the movie and wished I could transport myself to someplace warmer. A Dean's List "B."

Posted by Dean Richards at 7:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I still feel like I’ve been socked in the stomach. When the news of the death of Randy Salerno came through our newsroom this morning, a tangible hush came over the room that's normally bustling with noise and activity. Our friend was gone. It didn't...and still doesn't seem possible.

I have incredible respect for our producers and writers who had to put their emotions aside and do their jobs of reporting the news. It reminded me of the day that Bob Collins was killed in a plane crash when a personal tragedy became the top story that we had to work. After the show, when we had time to breathe, is when the tears came.

On the air, Larry, Robin and I reminisced. It was no easy task trying to get through the show today with this dark cloud hanging over us.

When I started with WGN News, my desk was right next to Randy's in the newsroom. He helped me learn the ropes since I was coming out of radio. He was so supportive and encouraging to me and my writing style. It meant a lot to me to get a "great job" from him after a review or interview that I did.

On his desk were pictures of his wife and kids...and a discolored, old picture of a little boy with Bozo and Sandy from the old Bozo show. It was Randy from when he visited the show, probably from sometime in the 1960s. In 2001, Don Sandburg, who played Sandy on the show, was back at WGN for the taping of the final Bozo show. He was taken back to Randy's desk to see the old picture. Randy was there and was like a little kid again when he met him.

Having grown up in the Chicago area, he loved to talk TV nostalgia. He also loved talking movies and loved even more trying to stump me with movie trivia, as he was pretty knowledgeable. One day, he sarcastically bet me $1000 bucks on some movie trivia. I lost the bet. For years, every time I'd see him after that, he'd ask me for his thousand bucks.

I'm looking over at his desk now and I can picture him slithering down in his chair, watching TV with one eye, working on a story with the other while throwing out one liners about one thing or another.

There wasn't a quicker wit nor dryer sense of humor than Randy's. There wasn't a more skilled, professional than Randy. There wasn't a nicer guy; completly dedicated to his family.

I'm SO sad for Irene, the kids, his parents and his family; but I celebrate that I even knew Randy Salerno. I'll always smile when I think of him and I guess that's about the greatest thing any of us can hope for.

Enjoy every minute. Have as few regrets in your life as possible. Tell the people you love, that you love them.
Dean

See video and share your memories of Randy Salerno.

Posted by Dean Richards at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Here's the complete list of the 80th annual Academy Awards.

What happened to my beloved "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street." It was my pick for the best film of 2007 for it's bold performances and film making by Tim Burton. I'm glad that Johnny Depp was at least nominated.

Emile Hirsch and Sean Penn should have been nominated for "Into The Wild." Tommy Lee Jones was OK in "In the Valley of Elah"...but to snub Denzel?

Cate Blanchette for "Elizabeth: The Golden Age?" Everytime someone throws on a hoop skirt, they get nominated. There were far better performances.

Everyone is asking me if I think they'll be an Oscars show. The answer is, yes. The Directors and Producers Guilds came to an agreement with the writers recently. David Letterman struck a seperate deal for his company, Worldwide Pants. I excpet the Academy and ABC to do the same thing to avoid losing hundreds of millions of dollars if the show DOESN'T go on.

Speaking of money, the five best picture nominations have grossed $119,320,000 combined, so far. The worst film of the year, "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" has made more. Very sad.

Here's the list...what do you think?

1. Best Picture: "Atonement," "Juno," "Michael Clayton,"
"No Country for Old Men," "There Will Be Blood."

2. Actor: George Clooney, "Michael Clayton"; Daniel Day-Lewis,
"There Will Be Blood"; Johnny Depp, "Sweeney Todd the Demon
Barber of Fleet Street"; Tommy Lee Jones, "In the Valley of
Elah"; Viggo Mortensen, "Eastern Promises."

3. Actress: Cate Blanchett, "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"; Julie
Christie, "Away From Her"; Marion Cotillard, "La Vie en Rose";
Laura Linney, "The Savages"; Ellen Page, "Juno."

4. Supporting Actor: Casey Affleck, "The Assassination of Jesse
James by the Coward Robert Ford"; Javier Bardem, "No Country for
Old Men"; Hal Holbrook, "Into the Wild"; Philip Seymour Hoffman,
"Charlie Wilson's War"; Tom Wilkinson, "Michael Clayton."

5. Supporting Actress: Cate Blanchett, "I'm Not There"; Ruby
Dee, "American Gangster"; Saoirse Ronan, "Atonement"; Amy Ryan,
"Gone Baby Gone"; Tilda Swinton, "Michael Clayton."

6. Director: Julian Schnabel, "The Diving Bell and the
Butterfly"; Jason Reitman, "Juno"; Tony Gilroy, "Michael
Clayton"; Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, "No Country for Old Men";
Paul Thomas Anderson, "There Will Be Blood."

7. Foreign Film: "Beaufort," Israel; "The Counterfeiters,"
Austria; "Katyn," Poland; "Mongol," Kazakhstan; "12," Russia.

8. Adapted Screenplay: Christopher Hampton, "Atonement"; Sarah
Polley, "Away from Her"; Ronald Harwood, "The Diving Bell and
the Butterfly"; Joel Coen & Ethan Coen, "No Country for Old
Men"; Paul Thomas Anderson, "There Will Be Blood."

9. Original Screenplay: Diablo Cody, "Juno"; Nancy Oliver,
"Lars and the Real Girl"; Tony Gilroy, "Michael Clayton"; Brad
Bird, Jan Pinkava and Jim Capobianco, "Ratatouille"; Tamara
Jenkins, "The Savages."

10. Animated Feature Film: "Persepolis"; "Ratatouille";
"Surf's Up."

11. Art Direction: "American Gangster," "Atonement," "The
Golden Compass," "Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet
Street," "There Will Be Blood."

12. Cinematography: "The Assassination of Jesse James by the
Coward Robert Ford," "Atonement," "The Diving Bell and the
Butterfly," "No Country for Old Men," "There Will Be Blood."

13. Sound Mixing: "The Bourne Ultimatum," "No Country for Old
Men," "Ratatouille," "3:10 to Yuma," "Transformers."

14. Sound Editing: "The Bourne Ultimatum," "No Country for
Old Men," "Ratatouille," "There Will Be Blood," "Transformers."

15. Original Score: "Atonement," Dario Marianelli; "The Kite
Runner," Alberto Iglesias; "Michael Clayton," James Newton
Howard; "Ratatouille," Michael Giacchino; "3:10 to Yuma," Marco
Beltrami.

16. Original Song: "Falling Slowly" from "Once," Glen
Hansard and Marketa Irglova; "Happy Working Song" from
"Enchanted," Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz; "Raise It Up"
from "August Rush," Nominees to be determined; "So Close" from
"Enchanted," Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz; "That's How You
Know" from "Enchanted," Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz.

17. Costume: "Across the Universe," "Atonement,"
"Elizabeth: The Golden Age," "La Vie en Rose," "Sweeney Todd
the Demon Barber of Fleet Street."

18. Documentary Feature: "No End in Sight," "Operation
Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience," "Sicko," "Taxi to
the Dark Side," "War/Dance."

19. Documentary (short subject): "Freeheld," "La Corona (The
Crown)," "Salim Baba," "Sari's Mother."

20. Film Editing: "The Bourne Ultimatum," "The Diving Bell
and the Butterfly," "Into the Wild," "No Country for Old Men,"
"There Will Be Blood."

21. Makeup: "La Vie en Rose," "Norbit," "Pirates of the
Caribbean: At World's End."

22. Animated Short Film: "I Met the Walrus," "Madame
Tutli-Putli," "Meme Les Pigeons Vont au Paradis (Even Pigeons Go
to Heaven)," "My Love (Moya Lyubov)," "Peter & the Wolf."

23. Live Action Short Film: "At Night," "Il Supplente (The
Substitute)," "Le Mozart des Pickpockets (The Mozart of
Pickpockets)," "Tanghi Argentini," "The Tonto Woman."

24. Visual Effects: "The Golden Compass," "Pirates of the
Caribbean: At World's End," "Transformers."

The awards show, if it happens, will be February 24th. Jon Stewart will host.

Posted by Dean Richards at 9:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Here is the list of the new DVd releases for January 15, 2008.
I love the Earth vs. Flying Saucers/It Came from beneath the sea remastered discs. They're now in color and black and white. So cheesey, Kraft shoulda put them out.
What have you seen that you've loved?
Dean

Mr. Woodcock
Good Luck Chuck
An Affair to Remember -50th anniversary edition
Alex Haley's Queen
Alfred Hitchcock, Master Of Suspense: 10 Movies
Beverly Hillbillies: Volume 2
Bonanza: Volumes 1-4
Bound For Glory 2005
Breaker Morant
California Dreaming
Cowboy Millionaire
The Crime Smasher
Criss Angel Mindfreak: The Complete Third Season
Dick Van Dyke Show: Volume 1
Do You Trust Your Wife?
Down With Love
Earth Vs. The Flying Saucers (2 Disc Collector's Edition)
Extras: The Complete Series (Gift Set)
Family Guy Presents: Blue Harvest
French Kiss (Widescreen)
Garfield: Prime Time Gift Set (Set)
Great Expectations
Jane Austen's Persuasion
Killer Diller
Love Potion No. 9
Lucy Show: Volumes 1-4
Melissa
The Naked Prey (Criterion Collection)
The New Adventures of Old Christine - The Complete First Season
She's Gotta Have It
Wedding Daze
When Harry Met Sally - Collector's Edition

Posted by Dean Richards at 8:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Here's the list of thenew DVD's out this week (January 8, 2008.) Is there something you've seen that you loved or hated? Lemme know.
Dean

Two and a Half Men - The Complete 1st and 2nd Seasons
3:10 to Yuma
All-Star Family Feud All Star Family Feud
Con Air (Blu-ray)
Death Sentence (Unrated Edition)e Second Season
Dragon Wars - D-War
Eureka Seven, Volume 11
Evil Roy Slade
Golden Door
Gunsmoke - The Second Season, Volume 1
The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter
Man On Fire (Blu-ray)
MI-5, Volume 5
Personal Best
The Pianist (HD DVD)
The Riches - Season 1
Rob & Big - The Complete Seasons 1 & 2 (Uncensored)
The Road To Rio / The Road To Bali (Double Feature)
The Rock (Blu-ray)
Sunshine
The All-New Superfriends Hour: Season One, Volume 1
Sweatin' to the Oldies
The Waltons - The Complete Sixth Season
What's New Scooby-Doo? - The Complete Third Season
Zodiac

Posted by Dean Richards at 2:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here's the scoop on the "One Tree Hill" casting call coming to Chicago on January 19th. If you decide to enter, let me know at deanrichards@wgntv.com. We'll be there with our cameras and will want to put you and your audition tape on the Morning News.
Good luck,
Dean

TELEVISION GROUP PARTNER FOR THE "ONE TREE HILL CASTING CALL" TO OFFER THE ULTIMATE FAN WEEKEND AND A WALK-ON ROLE

The CW, Macy's and the Warner Bros. Television Group are offering eight passionate ONE TREE HILL fans the opportunity of a lifetime - a chance to win a walk-on role and spend a star-filled weekend with the cast in Wilmington, North Carolina, where the series is filmed.

The "Ultimate Fan Weekend in Wilmington" promotion, which began December 18 and continues through February 4, 2008, offers fans the chance to spend time with the cast, see the show in production, attend a charity event and appear in an episode. Fans can enter the contest in one of two ways: by attending a regional casting call at seven Macy's stores nationwide or by uploading an audition video at www.cwtv.com/macys. In addition, ONE TREE HILL cast members will be signing autographs at the following Macy's locations on Saturday, January 19 from 2:00-4:00pm (local time):

· Macy's State Street - 111 N. State Street Chicago, IL with cast member Lee Norris at 2pm.

· Macy's Herald Square - New York City (cast members Sophia Bush and Daphne Zuniga)*

· Macy's Aventura - Aventura, FL (cast member Hilarie Burton)

· Macy's Union Square - San Francisco, CA (cast member James Lafferty)

· Macy's Lenox Square - Atlanta, GA (cast member Antwon Tanner)

· Macy's Downtown Seattle - Seattle, WA (cast member Bethany Joy Galeotti)

· Macy's Easton Town Center - Columbus, OH (series creator Mark Schwahn and cast member Michaela McManus)

* These are the scheduled cast members but circumstances may result in a change as to the cast member participating at a particular location.

Full rules for this event are posted at http://www.cwtv.com/thecw/macys.

Posted by Dean Richards at 7:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ok...here are they are. My picks for the best and worst films of 2007.
Let me know what you liked and hated!
Dean

BEST PICTURES:

1. SWEENEY TODD:THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET

2. INTO THE WILD

3. AMERICAN GANGSTER

4. JUNO

5. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

6. MICHAEL CLAYTON

7. KNOCKED UP

8. BOURNE ULTIMATUM

9. HAIRSPRAY

10.ATONEMENT

WORST PICTURES:

1. I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY

2. DELTA FARCE

3. LICENSE TO WED

4. DADDY DAY CARE

5. BALLS OF FURY

6. PREMONITION

7. EVAN ALMIGHTY

8. MR. WOODCOCK

9. NUMBER 23

10.NORBIT

Posted by Dean Richards at 6:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

If you missed it on the show this morning, I announced my picks for best actors and best actresses of the year. On Monday, 12/31, I announce my picks for the best and worst films of the year. Check out my list...leave yours...your comments could wind up on the air.
Dean

Best Actresses:
1. Ellen Page - Juno
2. Angelina Jolie - A Mighty Heart
3. Keri Russell - Waitress
4. Laura Linney -The Savages
5. Julie Christie - Away From Her

Best Actors:
1. Emile Hirsch - Into The Wild
2. Johnny Depp - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
3. George Clooney - Michael Clayton
4. Viggo Mortensen - Eastern Promises
5. Will Smith - I Am Legend

Posted by Dean Richards at 9:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Here's what's new this week. My picks are The Simpsons' Movie, Stardust, Once, Mod Squard and the Blade Ruynner special collection.. There are some very cool extras on the BR package and the movie the way it was intended to be seen. Your favs?

Here's this week's complete list.
The Simpsons Movie
Once
Stardust
Balls of Fury
Underdog
Mod Squad: Season One Volume One
One Tree Hill: Season 4
The Adevntures of Young Indiana Jones:The War years
Blade Runner:Collector's Edition
National Treasure:Collectors Edition
Halloween: Special Edition
Cinderella II
Bring it On:In It to Win it

Posted by Dean Richards at 5:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The CFCA is a thougthful, knowledgeable and sometimes ecclectic group of film critics from all over Chicago. I'm proud to be a member. Here is the complete list of our best of 2007. My Dean's List picks for the best of the year are pretty different. I'll be announcing my picks of the year next week on the Morning News and posting them here.

Chicago Film Critics Assication Best of 2007:
Picture: No Country for Old Men
Foreign Film: 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days
Director: Joel & Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men
Original Screenplay: Diablo Cody - Juno
Adapted Screenplay: Joel & Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men
Actor: Daniel Day Lewis - There Will Be Blood
Actress: Ellen Page - Juno
Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem - No Country for Old Men
Supporting Actress: Cate Blanchett - I'm Not There
Cinematography: Roger Deakins - The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Score: Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova - Once
Documentary: Sicko
Animated Feature: Ratatouille
Promising Performer: Michael Cera - Superbad/Juno
Promising Filmmaker: Ben Affleck - Gone Baby Gone

Posted by Dean Richards at 6:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The evening was very nice with WGN picking up several awards including one for our very own, Ana Belaval, for her "One Tank Trip" reports. Now she can balance her new daughter, Amelia, in one arm and her statue in the other. BTW, Ana looks great. She'll be back toward the end of December.

The highlight of the evening was Jeff Garlin of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" who was smart and just sarcastic enough for this jaded crowd. The crowning moment of the evening when Fox's Larry Yellin attempted a joke from the podium and felt it necessary to say that the stage "added 40 pounds to Jeff's weight." Jeff yelled from back stage that he didn't give a S***. The crowded responded with uproarious applause to Garlin's shutting down Yellin's rude remark.

When Jeff returned to the stage, he talked about how funny he thought it was how some people are "just "D*****Bags" for saying something like that. And then, really summed it up by saying "who is that guy, anyway?"

Posted by at 8:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

My favorites this week are "Planet Terror", Transformers" and "A Mighty Heart." "PT" is unrated and extended; silly, bloody fun. Very campy. "Transformers" is solid, action and excitment. And Jolie is stunning in "Mighty Heart." It's great but tough to watch.

Tell me what you've seen that you like. Here's this week's full list.
Dean

Grindhouse presents "Planet Terror"- Extended and Unrated
The Transformers
A Mighty Heart
The Reaping
The Hoax

The Jazz Singer with Al Jolson

That 70's Show-Season 7
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip-The Complete Series
Medium- The Third Season
Ironside-Season 2
Macgyver-The Complete Series
The Sopranos-Season 6-Part 2
The L Word-The Complete 4th Season
Veronica Mars-Season 3

Posted by Dean Richards at 5:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

“3:10 TO YUMA”
It took an Aussie and a brit to make a great American western. It’s one of the best of the year!

50 years ago, a dime cowboy novel was made into a black and white western, "3:10 to Yuma" starring Glenn ford and van Heflin. Now, the story has been expanded, the starring roles have been brilliantly illuminated by Russell Crowe and Christian Bale...and "the western" has been re-energized.

In it, Oscar winner Crowe is great as a notorious outlaw whose finally been captured, and now is being escorted to a nearby town to be put on the 3:10 train to the Yuma Arizona prison...that's if his former gang doesn't spring him en route.

Bale is intense as a rancher who takes the escort job...and strikes up an odd bond with his prisoner.

These two actors are at their best as are the amazing supporting cast of Peter Fonda and Ben Foster as Crowe’s crazed second in command.

There’s plenty of shoot 'em up action but at its core, "3:10 to Yuma" is a story of honor.

Mosey on down to your local Cineplex for this powerful, dean's list "A.”

“SHOOT ‘EM UP”
"Shoot ‘Em Up" may be the most appropriately titled film of 2007. That’s pretty much all that happens in the movie.

Clive Owen plays a mysterious stranger in the wrong place at the wrong time that saves a pregnant woman and her baby from a group of hired killers headed up by a crazed, Paul Giamotti.... who then, also wants Owen dead.

Endless rounds of explosions and tiring chase scenes connect attempts at "Kill Bill-like", over-the-top dialogue and a contrived plot line of why this pregnant woman and her baby were targets...and whether the mystery man can stop the killers.

At the end of the 2 hours...there wasn't enough story to support all of the violence.
It’s an all style and no substance, Dean's List "C."

“THE BROTHERS SOLOMON”
The "movie to miss" this week is Will Forte and Will Arnett’s "The Brothers Solomon." They are two brothers who decide that the only way to wake their father up from a coma is by giving him the grandchild he's always wanted...only both of them are social nit wits not wise in the ways of the ladies.

You can tell that the story here came from Forte, a former SNL writer. It’s reeks of a 3-minute sketch that should never have been made into a 90-minute movie.

It could have been worse though. Rob Schneider could have been in it. A Dean's List "D minus."

Posted by Dean Richards at 7:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Here are the reviews of this week's new movies. let me know what you've seen that you love or hate.
Dean

HALLOWEEN - RATED R:

He’s back! We first met Michael Meyers nearly 20 years ago...and now, one of the most iconic horror film villains returns in "House of a Thousand Corpses" director, Rob Zombie's remake of "Halloween."

About half of the story offers a prequel like telling of how our masked, ginsu carrying friend got to be the way he is; and in fact, what the story is behind the mask.

The second half re-tells the story that we saw in the original film of the killer's return to his hometown where he murdered his family to find the sole survivor.

A bit more stylized than previous Halloween treats, the blood and guts are toned down a bit but still gut wrenching with one slashing after another in fairly predictable setups.

What’s crucially missing is the suspense and compassion that made the early Halloween movies among the greatest of all time.

It’s nostalgic to see an old friend but whatever new power we thought we find in "Halloween’s" remake is barely there. A Dean's List "C"

BALLS OF FURY – RATED PG-13
"Talladega Nights", "Blades of Glory" and "Dodgeball" all did great jobs at spoofing their sports. Now, the world of ping-pong get's its turn, only not anywhere as smart or funny.

For the first 10 minutes of "Balls of Fury", the silliness was bouncing back and forth like a wild game on your basement ping-pong table; and then, the balls fell flat.

Stage actor, Dan Fogler, a Jack Black-Sam Kinison wannabee, only without the passion, is a fallen-from-grace ping pong prodigy, recruited by the FBI to bring down an illegal underground ping pong network run by an evil fanatic overplayed by Christopher walken.

To get his game back, he's enlists help from a blind Chinese master and his beautiful niece, "Karate Kid" style.

Along the way, he encounters one odd character after another including Oak Park native, Thomas Lennon, Lt. Dangle from "Reno 911", as a German uber-opponent and Patton Oswalt, "Hammer", a neighborhood dweeb who's only in the movie for a minute.

I really wanted to like this movie. The PP sequences are cool but most of the laughs are in the trailer. The story is weak, the direction is all over the place and with a few exceptions, the potentially rich characters are poorly acted.

Don’t go in expecting much. Mostly fumbled and rarely hit out of the park, "Balls of Fury" turns out to have neither. A Dean's List "C-.”

DEATH SENTENCE –RATED R
I think we liked Kevin bacon better when he was "Footloose, footloose." Now, it's just his performance that's loose.

In "Death Sentence", he’s a mild mannered, all around family man whose life is shaken when a horrible act of violence befalls one of his kids as a street gang initiation. When the justice system fails him, he goes on a revenge rampage only there’s very little to explain the amazing transformation. I needed 6 degrees of explanation to make it more plausible.

Director James Wan of "Saw" fame notches up the violence but the holes in the story proclaim "Death sentence", a Dean's List "C-.”

Posted by Dean Richards at 9:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here are the new DVD releases for the week of September 2, 2007.
I can't see everything so let me know what you've seen lately that would be a great pick for someone.

"Georgia Rule"
"Stephanie Daley"
"The Wind that Shakes the Barley"

"30 Rock: Season 1"
"The Office: Season 3"
"Desperate Housewives: Season 3"
"Prison Break: Season 2"
"Nip/Tuck: Season 4"
"The Black Donnellys: The Complete Series"
"Bosom Buddies: Season 2"
"I Dream of Jeannie: Season 4"
"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Seasons 1-2"

"Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke: Collectors' Edition"
"Chill Out, Scooby-Doo"
"Rules of Engagement: Season 1"
"Spongebob Squarepants: Season 5, Vol. 1"
"Wind Chill"
"Delta Farce"

Posted by Dean Richards at 8:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Just announced this morning is the 2008 Broadway In Chicago series for next season. BIC is the companies that brings the big, Broadway shows to Chicago. This coming season has quite a few shows that were HUGE in New York that are making their Chicago premiere.

MY FAIR LADY

January 22 – February 3, 2008

Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St.

Lerner & Loewe’s legendary musical premieres in the United States direct from its 50th Anniversary London production and U.K. national tour. Starring are acclaimed British theatre actors Christopher Cazenove and Lisa O’Hare who earned rave reviews for their dynamic performances as Professor Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle, and featured as Mrs. Higgins will be acclaimed theatre and film star Marni Nixon (singing voice of Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady” feature film). Based on the Cameron Mackintosh/National Theatre of Great Britain’s award-winning London sensation, and hailed as “the revival against which all others will be measured” this glorious, new production features one of Broadway’s most beloved scores including The Rain in Spain, I Could Have Danced All Night and Get Me to the Church on Time.

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE

April 1 – 13, 2008

Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St.

Get ready to be transported to a magical, wonderful world! A world where the critics are in awe, the audiences are in heaven and the neighborhood is buzzing with excitement. Welcome to THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, the new musical comedy that is swooping into town with tons of laughs and the most 2006 Tony Awards of any musical on Broadway! It all begins when a die hard musical fan plays his favorite cast album, a 1928 smash hit called “The Drowsy Chaperone,” and the show magically bursts to life. We are instantly immersed in the glamorous, hilarious tale of a celebrity bride and her uproarious wedding day, complete with thrills and surprises that take both the cast (literally) and the audience (metaphorically) soaring into the rafters.

SWEENEY TODD

April 23 – May 4, 2008

Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St.

Innovative, intimate and ingenious, this revolutionary new production of SWEENEY TODD “is an event theatergoers will be talking about for years,” claims The Wall Street Journal. The legendary demon barber, hell-bent on revenge, takes up with his enterprising neighbor in a delicious plot to slice their way through London’s upper crust. Justice will be served – along with lush melody, audacious humor and bloody good thrills. Directed by Tony Award-winner, John Doyle, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler, this dazzling reinvention of a magnificent musical thriller is set to stun theatergoers as never before.

AVENUE Q

May 21 – June 7, 2008 (additional week added!)

Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St.

Broadway's smash hit and 2004 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book will make its Chicago premiere this spring. A hilarious show full of heart and hum-able tunes, AVENUE Q is about trying to make it in NYC with big dreams and a tiny bank account. Called “one of the funniest shows you're ever likely to see” by Entertainment Weekly, AVENUE Q features a cast of people and puppets who tell the story in a smart, risqué and downright entertaining way. The New Yorker calls it “SUBVERSIVE and UPROARIOUS!”

DIRTY DANCING – The Classic Story On Stage

Limited Engagement Begins September 2, 2008

Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St.

The U.S. Premiere! “That was the summer of 1963, when everybody called me Baby and it didn’t occur to me to mind...” A movie seen by millions, with an unforgettable soundtrack and a story which touched the heart of a generation is now a record breaking stage show – DIRTY DANCING - The Classic Story On Stage. “The biggest live theatre sensation of all time,” declares the UK Observer. Exploding with heart-pounding music, pure dance energy and breath-taking emotion, this timeless story of first love “will give keen pleasure to DIRTY DANCING addicts and to newcomers alike” (Independent - UK). This acclaimed production experiences all the excitement and romance as never before with brand new scenes written especially for the stage. Now with more Baby and Johnny, more sensational dancing and even more classic songs – you're sure to have ‘the time of your life!’

The line-up will also feature the opportunity for priority purchase of the following 2008 off-season specials:

RENT

February 12 – 17, 2008, Off-Season Special

Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St.

RENT is more than a show, it's a phenomenon. A theatrical experience that transformed how a generation feels about musicals, changed Broadway forever, and inspired a major motion picture. Whether it's your 1st time or your 100th time, it's time you checked out RENT. The winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize, RENT is about being young, learning to survive, falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. RENT has made a lasting mark on Broadway with songs that rock and a story that really resonates and now the smash-hit sensation of RENT is returning to Chicago.

THE SPARROW

Starts September 26, 2007, Off-Season Special

Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave.

Created by the award-winning team at The House Theatre of Chicago, THE SPARROW – one of the most original and acclaimed new works to emerge from the local theatre scene in decades – returns by popular demand in a new production at the Apollo Theater. The play, intertwined with music and dance, tells the story of Emily Book, a small town girl returning home ten years after a tragic accident claimed the lives of her entire class. As the town struggles to accept the strange girl who reminds them of what they lost, Emily attempts to hide special powers that make her different. Following record-breaking runs at both The Viaduct and Steppenwolf, audiences have a new opportunity to see THE SPARROW, a show that continues to soar beyond all expectations.

2008 Walgreens Broadway In Chicago Season Series ticket holders will receive a multitude of special benefits, including savings up to 25%, priority seating at each venue, ticket exchange privileges, pre-paid and discounted parking, access to gift cards to give tickets as gifts, as well as the first opportunity to purchase additional tickets to future Broadway In Chicago productions, including those not currently listed in the Season Series. Season ticket packages, which range in price from $93- $435.50, go on sale Friday, October 12 at 10:00 a.m., and are available by calling Season Ticket Services toll free at (877) 890-0174 or by visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

The 2008 Walgreens Broadway In Chicago Season Series subscribers not only have the opportunity of purchasing tickets before the general public to off-season specials – RENT and THE SPARROW – but have an exciting new benefit from American Express. Any season package purchased with an American Express card will be automatically upgraded to include a ticket to THE SPARROW for each package purchased at no additional charge.

Group tickets are currently available for all of the season shows. Groups of 20 or more may receive a discount on most shows by calling (312) 977-1710. Single tickets to each individual production will go on sale at future dates to be announced. Broadway In Chicago gift certificates, which can be redeemed for any production or for season ticket packages, can be obtained at Broadway In Chicago box offices, www.BroadwayInChicago.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (312) 902-1400.

Posted by Dean Richards at 8:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

• Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film...
• Avatar, The Last Airbender: Book 2 Earth, Volume 4
• Back To School
• Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds: Live At Radio City
• Doctor Strange
• Dynasty: The Second Season
• Elvis: The Miniseries
• Fracture
• The Fugitive: Season 1, Volume 1
• Hamlet
• Inland Empire
• Labyrinth
• The Lookout
• Masters of Horror: Valerie on the Stairs
• Masters of Horror: We All Scream for Ice Cream
• South Park: The Complete Tenth Season
• Taxi Driver
• Vacancy
• Wild Hogs

Posted by Dean Richards at 8:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

STARDUST
"Star dust" is one of those rare films that does everything right.

A clever story of a star that falls from the sky; a star in the form of a beautiful young woman played by Clair Danes, with special powers that everyone wants.

An evil, decrepit witch, deliciously played by Michelle Pfeiffer, wants her to regain her beauty and eternal life.

A dying king played by Peter O'Toole, instructs his idiot, slacker sons to capture the star. Whichever of them does, will become the next ruler.

At the same time, a smitten young man played by British actor, Charlie Cox, promises a girl who barely notices him that he'll capture the star to prove his love for her.

The quests begin combining into a touching love story, with exciting action, loads of laughs, and an amazing fantasy with brilliant effects.

Add in, one great supporting performance after another, but none better than Robert DeNiro, somewhat spoofing himself as a swashbuckling pirate of a flying ship with a hilarious, flamboyant private life.

"Stardust" is pure creativity. A great story...amazing film making...a Dean's List "A."

RUSH HOUR 3
The Chris Tucker one-liners are there. Jackie Chan stumbling through the script is there. It’s the third and hopefully final installment in their "Rush Hour" series.

If you've seen the first two, you’ve seen "Rush Hour 3."
There’s not much new. This time, a Chinese official is assassinated that pairs up the cross-cultural odd couple in Paris to fight off the bad guys and make fun of the French.

To me, the jokes are tired and the stunts, while impressive for a 53 year old Jackie Chan, are very "been there-kicked that."

The best part of "Rush Hour 3" is the Eiffel tower fight scenes at the end of the film. They are thrilling and also the only part of the film that isn’t warmed over.

I think this one is best seen on DVD...a dean's list "c plus."

DADDY DAY CAMP
Ok, I don't know who did it but will whoever stole Cuba Gooding Jr.’s taste and good sense please return it to him immediately.

I don't know how many more exceptionally bad films his career can take.

In "Daddy Day Camp", he’s taken over the reins that Eddie Murphy apparently didn't want to touch as a guy who mastered the day care empire and is now taking over a dilapidated day camp with his inept, chubby pal played by Paul Rae, because apparently, Jeff Garlin also didn't want anything to do with this.

Of course, everything goes wrong with an obnoxious group of misfits coupled with the full compliment of body function and flatulence jokes as the core of the humor.

Fred Savage, Kevin of "Wonder Year" fame, makes his big screen directorial debut with this mess. He’s a nice guy getting his feet wet with movie directing but even Martin Scorcese couldn't have saved this.

Even I could have found a better use for this script.... in the outhouse or in a bonfire. A Dean's List "D-.”

Posted by Dean Richards at 10:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

New Releases (Movies):
300: Special Edition
Hot Fuzz
The Darwin Awards
Everything's Gone Green: Unrated Edition
Firehouse Dog
Lonely Hearts
Pathfinder: Unrated Edition
Roving Mars: IMAX

TV Box Sets:
The Archie Show: Complete Series
Babylon 5: The Lost Tales
Dallas: Season Seven
Hawaii Five-O: Season Two
The Kids of Degrassi Street: Complete Series
Popeye: Volume One
The Rhinemann Exchange: Complete Mini-Series
Sabrina: Season Two
The Sons of Hollywood: Season One
Space 1999: 30th Anniversary Edition

Special Editions/Other Releases:
20 Million Miles to Earth
Blue Water, White Death
Kung Fu Hustle: Deluxe Edition
Rap Sheet: Hip Hop and the Cops
Rock the Bells
Yellow

Posted by Dean Richards at 8:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

“THE SIMPSONS MOVIE”
It’s always a sketchy thing when a popular TV show gets made into a movie. Occasionally, it’s a disaster. I’m guessing the latest to make the transition will be anything but disaster.

After 18 years of being one of Rupert Murdoch’s biggest cash cows, the long awaited "Simpson’s Movie" finally hits the multi-plexs.... and the only word to describe it, (think of me talking like Mr. Burns), "excellent."

The big screen doesn't add much but then it really doesn't need to. The genius writing and yellow characters are all still there. Like a really good, but not great, episode of the TV show, there’s 87 minutes of all of the regular characters, a few celebrity cameos, and a self-mocking story that'll leave you laughing.

Homer has caused an environmental disaster that threatens all of Springfield, causing all of Springfield to want to kill him, so he's forced to save the day and win back the trust of his family. How or why isn't as important as that it's done with typical irreverence.

Add in a bit of a Bart nude scene and a potty mouthed Marge, because they can...and you've got deluxe version of the show with no commercials. A PG -13 rated, Dean’s List "A".... and make sure that you stay for all of the credits.

“NO RESERVATIONS”
For romantics who need more than a homer and Marge kiss, there's "No Reservations" with Catherine Zeta Jones.

Based on the German film, "Mostly Martha", Jones is a hyper-driven restaurant chef whose whole life is her food. Things get interrupted when she suddenly finds herself caring for her 10 year old niece, played by Abigail Breslin, from "Little Miss Sunshine."

Add to this control freaks' woes, is a new chef in her kitchen, Aaron Eckhart, who’s supposed to help, but whose free and easy style are like oil and water with hers.

Can you already taste the ending of this film?

All of the elements for a cliché soufflé were bubbling, but great performances and a delicate flavoring of heart keep the story light and delicious.

I’ve run out of food metaphors...so I’ll just say "No Reservations" is a charming, romantic comedy. A Dean's List "B."

“TRASHED”
Also worth seeing is the documentary, "Trashed" by Chicago filmmaker, Bill Kirkos, who explores the social and environmental effect of the garbage industry. Catch it at the Music Box Theater.

“I KNOW WHO KILLED ME”
Not screened for the critics is Lindsey Lohan's "I Know Who Killed Me." Maybe knowing how bad this must be is what sent Lilo over the edge this week. It’s described as a missing identity thriller. Apparently, what’s missing, is anything good.

‘WHO’S YOUR CADDY”
And screened for the critics late last night so we’d all miss our deadlines, is "Who's Your Caddy" starring Outkast's Big Boi, who plays a famous rapper who clashes with a country club who doesn't want him admitted. Sounds like this should be called, "Who's Your Caddy-shack."

Posted by Dean Richards at 7:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Sorry about the "all caps" on this. I'm out of town and can't convert the format of the script that I use when I write the reviews. I'll change it when I get back for those of you tremendously offended by my laziness for not wanting to re-type the whole thing.

"Hairpsray: The Musical"

THE 1988 MOVIE WAS GREAT. WHEN IT TOOK BROADWAY BY STORM, I LIKED IT BUT NEVER LOVED IT. BUT NOW, THE NEW MOVIE VERSION OF "HAIRSPRAY: THE MUSICAL" COMBINES THE TWO FOR SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL.

IT'S TOTAL SUMMER FUN. JUST ABOUT 2 HOURS OF ENERGY AND GREAT SONGS, AMAZING DANCING...A SLIGHTLY IRREVERENT BUT CLEVER STORY OF ACCEPTANCE AND TOLERANCE...AND GREAT PERFORMANCES.

18 YEAR OLD NIKKI BLONSKY WHO WAS DISCOVERED SCOOPING ICE CREAM AT A COLD STONE CREAMRY STORE PLAYS TRACY TURNBLAD, A BALTIMORE TEENAGER WHO DREAMS OF BEING ON THE CORNY COLLINS DANCE SHOW EVEN THOUGH SHE DOESN'T LOOK LIKE THE PERFECT COOKIE CUTTER KIDS ON THE SHOW.

HER MOM, EDNA, HAS BEEN PLAYED BY DIVINE AND HARVEY FIRESTEIN IN OTHER HAIRSPRAY INCARNATIONS; NOW IT'S JOHN TRAVOLTA, WHO LOOKS TERRIFIC IN DRAG, BUT WHO'S AUTHENTIC BALTIMORE ACCENT IS DISTRACTING.

ADD IN AMAZING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCES FROM MICHELLE PHIEFFER AS VELMA TON TUSSLE, THE FORMER MISS BALTIMORE WHO WILL DO ANYTHING TO GET HER DAUGHTER A CROWN...

QUEEN LATIFAH, MOTORMOUTH MAYBELLE, THE MORAL CENTER OF THE FILM TRYING TO HELP INTERGRATE THE DANCE SHOW...

CHRISTOPHER WALKEN AS TRACY'S DAD..HE DOES A MEAN DANCE SCENE WITH TRAVOLTA AND HAS KIND OF A SWEET MOMENT TOGETHER.

THERE'S AMADA BYNES, JAMES MARSEDEN AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, ZACH EFRON OF "HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL" FAME, LINK LARKIN, THE LOVE STRUCK HUNK OF THE DANCE PARTY WHO FALLS FOR TRACY. IN FACT, THE MOVIE IS RATED PG..FOR SOME LANGUAGE, AND I THINK WILL BE OK FOR YOUNG ZACH/AMANDA/MARSDEN FANS.

LOOK FOR CAMEOS FROM SOME "HAIRSPRAY" ORIGINALS IN THIS, ONE OF THE BEST MUSICALS TO COME DOWN IN A LONG TIME. DIRECTOR ADAM SHANKMAN HAS FOUND HIS CALLING AFTER SOME AWFUL FILMS LIKE "THE PACIFIER." EVEN HE ADMITS IT.

IT'S A DON'T MISS IT, DEAN'S LIST "A."

"I Now Pronouce You Chuck and Larry."

ONE OF THE BIG DISAPPOINTMENTS OF THE SUMMER IS ADAM SANDLER AND KEVIN JAMES', AWFUL, "I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY." A ONE JOKE COMEDY ABOUT TWO MACHO FIREMEN WHO PRETEND TO BE GAY IN ORDER TO GET DOMESTIC PARTNER BENEFITS; ALMOST TWO HOURS OF JUST ABOUT EVERY TIRED GAY STEREOTYPE YOU'VE EVER HEARD THAT IS NOT ONLY BLATENTLY HOMOPHOBIC BUT JUST BORING.

THEY THROW IN A LITTLE JESSICA BIEL FOR SOME EYE CANDY SO THEY CAN ADD HOT CHICKS TO THEIR TEENAGED BOY NIGHT OF GAY BASHING FUN
.
"SOUL PLANE" DID THE SAME THING WITH INSULTING AFRICAN AMERICAN STEREOTYPES AND THEN TRIED TO RATIONALIZE WITH "IT'S ONLY A JOKE..WE'RE SHOWING HOW BAD WRONG IT IS."

EVERYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE A JOKE...BUT WHAT'S WRONG HERE, IS THIS MOVIE.

I LIKE KEVIN JAMES AND ADAM SANDLER, BUT THIS MONOTINOUS, ONE JOKE PONY, ESPECIALLY IN A DAY AND AGE WHEN PEOPLE ARE STILL GETTING BEATEN UP ON THE STREET FOR LOOKING A LITTLE DIFFERENT, IS JUST PLAIN STUPID.

A DEAN'S LIST "D MINUS" IS GENEROUS.

Posted by Dean Richards at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Here are the week's new DVD's. If you've got questions about these; or when other titles will be on released, let me know.

Dean

Movies:
Premonition
The Hills Have Eyes 2
Avenue Montaigne
Dynamite Warrior
Factory Girl

TV Box Sets:
Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog: Volume One
Birdman and the Galaxy Trio: Complete Series
The Business: Season One
Grafters: Season One
Gunsmoke: Season One
The Incredible Hulk: Season Two
Payback: Season One
Rising Damp: Season Four
The Rookies: Season One
Space Ghost & Dino Boy: Complete Series
Vincent: Season One
Voyagers!: Complete Series
Wanted: Dead or Alive - Season Two
William and Mary: Complete Series

Special Editions/Other Releases:
Perfect Creature
Red Dawn: Collector's Edition
Showgirls: Fully Exposed Edition
Traci Townsend
TCM Spotlight: Esther Williams Volume 1

Posted by Dean Richards at 7:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

On the show today, I talked about a casting call that's being held for "Rory's First Kiss." That's been reported as the code name for the new Batman movie that's being shot here, "The Dark Knight" starring Christian Bale.

If you're interesed it's this Saturday, July 14,from 10:00am-3:30pm at the Chicago Academy for the Arts...1010 W. Chicago Avenue. They're looking for men and women of all ethnicities, 18 years of age and older, to work as paid extras as "victims or perpetatorswithin a city beseiged with crime and corruption." That would be Gotham City.

The ask that you bring a recent color photgraph and a pen.

Good Luck!
Dean

Posted by Dean Richards at 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

Movies:
The Astronaut Farmer
The Last Mimzy
After the Wedding
The Page Turner
Sweet Land
My Super Sweet Sixteen: The Movie
The Contractor
You're Gonna Miss Me

TV Box Sets:
Beauty and the Beast: Season Two
Bewitched: Season Five
Drawn Together - Uncensored!: Season Two
Extras: Season Two
Hustle: Season Three
My Super Sweet 16: Seasons One & Two
Punky Brewster: Volumes 1-6
Shark Week: The 20th Anniversary Collection

Special Editions/Other Releases:
Home Run Derby
2006-2007 Stanley Cup Champions

Posted by Dean Richards at 8:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

TRANSFORMERS:
All actors are entitled to a bad movie once in a while. Robin Williams adds to that ever-growing list of his this week. And it’s the 80's toy that's been turned into a big screen. Brokeback Cabbage Patch? Rubik’s Cube: The Musical?

No, it's "Transformers"...a not so clever story about competing robot species that are threatening human survival. It’s a dumb story that somehow manages to be a lot of fun.

Shia LeBoeuf is one of the hottest young actors in Hollywood coming off of his surprise hit, "Disturbia" from earlier this year. He’s made his mark in some art films and now he proves he can hang with the multi-plex big boys fronting what will be one of summer's biggest movies.

"Pearl Harbor" director, Michael Bay, assembles a high-powered action ride with these likeable young actors doing their best with a razor thin plot line.

Much of "Transformers" is right out of the "Creatures Attacking Earth Handbook." They’re actual stories that are transformed into clichés but I didn't care.

"Transformers" is plain old summer fun. The effects are great and the film never takes itself too seriously.

Megan Fox is the hot love interest. Tyrese Gibson, Josh Dumal, Anthony Anderson, Bernie Mac, Jon Voight and John Turturro are solid side players.

This is what summer movies are supposed to be. It’s a Dean’s List “B+.”

LICENSE TO WED:
I never thought I would see a Robin Williams movie worse than his recent, "RV." But then again, I said the same thing when "Bicentennial Man" and "Popeye" came out. Well, I’m saying it again with “License To Wed.”

Does Robin Williams actually read these scripts before agreeing to be in the film?

In it, he plays an irreverent reverend, which puts Mandy Moore and John Krasinski, Jim from “The Office.” through boot camp pre-nuptial counseling to make sure they're right for each other.

Krasinski is as smooth as ever, but what a way to make your big screen debut. He’s more talented than just being a punching bag for Robin Williams' unfunny bantering. Mandy Moore is as cute as button but doesn’t add much more than eye candy.

Also, should a man of the cloth have a 10-year-old boy as his constant sidekick? It was a little creepy.

Unfunny, dumb and predictable. A Dean’s List “D.”

Posted by Dean Richards at 8:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

"Fantastic Four: The Rise of the Silver Surfer"
Finally, a comic book adventure without deep meanings, profound subtext and especially no bloated running times. What you get from FF2 is good old-fashioned comic book fun that might even be a little better than the first Fantastic Four movie.

"Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer", really is fantastic in the sense that it's solid movie making with cool effects and plenty of action; but not so fantastic is that it all takes a while to get going. If you're looking for Paddy Chayefsky in your Marvel movie going, this may not be the film for you. If not, you'll be more than satisfied.

At only an hour and a half, Mr. Fantastic, Sue Storm, The Thing and Johnny Storm are enjoying the celebrity life when bad guy, Victor Von Doom, returns along with the new bad guy, The Silver Surfer, voiced by Laurence Fishburne, to disturb the calm. Actors, Michael Chikilis, Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans and Julian McMahon all are back and turn in credible jobs that won't score them Oscars...but it's all about excitement and some fun here.

Mission accomplished with this Dean's List "B."

“Nancy Drew”
While Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan and Brittney Spears are showing young girls what not to do, positive role model emerges...an old friend, "Nancy Drew."

You may have read the books or seen the TV or old movie versions back in the day, but now, Emma--niece of Julia---Roberts, reprises the character stumbling on a mystery in an old Hollywood mansion that she and her father are renting.

There are a few laughs in this predictable but also charming and refreshing story that’s nice for the kids and not too painful for the grownups.

It’s rated PG for mild violence and a little language. A Dean's List "B."

Posted by Dean Richards at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Movies:
Bridge to Terabithia
Gray Ma