The love story takes many forms in film. Many would argue “Blue Valentine” takes the more “realistic” approach in that it depicts the fracturing of a relationship amidst a sea of flashbacks to more idealistic and happier times. “Blue Valentine” might not have a traditional happy ending, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a depressing […]

Any part-time binge drinker knows that when you end up with a hangover the next day, no matter how much fun you had the night before, you’re not going to be dumb enough to mix the same lethal cocktails ever again. “The Hangover Part II” would not be one of those hangovers you brag about […]

It’s Memorial Day, a day when we remember those who died valiantly for our country, and Hollywood honors their memory this weekend with “The Hangover Part II” and “Kung Fu Panda 2.” If Uncle Sam is dead yet, he’s rolling in his grave. Hollywood has long “treasured” Memorial Day for commercial purposes, although it’s widely […]

Here’s a trivia question for you: name one first sequel to a pure comedy (the second film in a comedy franchise) that was better than the original. I will give you a few hard returns to think about it. … … … Yup, it’s a trick question. There are none. And that’s a matter of […]

After a four-year hiatus to regroup and determine the future of the franchise, Disney and what was once its surprise mega-hit “Pirates of the Caribbean” series have returned in “On Stranger Tides.” Hard to believe that this franchise evolved from the once-lambasted concept of a theme park ride being turned into a successful motion-picture blockbuster. […]

I just re-watched “At World’s End” and man, I recall liking it much more the first time, so my rating here reflects a balance of my two viewings. Here’s a review of my “revised” opinion. “At World’s End” or “At Wit’s End,” whatever you want to call it, the third installment in Disney’s theme-park-ride-turned-mega-movie-franchise has […]

Yo ho, yo ho, it’s “Pirates” you’re forced to see. Can you blame any studio for not wanting to go head-to-head with the fourth installment of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise? Expect audiences to turn out in droves for Captain Jack’s newest adventure, which wipes the slate of the original trilogy with exception of […]

Entertainment Weekly has revealed the first image of Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence in “The Hunger Games.” The 20-year-old star of “Winter’s Bone” and the upcoming “X-Men: First Class” just recently began filming her role as 16-year-old heroine Katniss Everdeen in Gary Ross’ adaptation of the bestselling teen dystopian novel by Suzanne Collins. 

In terms of trailer release dates, today’s offerings demonstrate two extremes: launching a marketing campaign that begins about two months before your film comes out and issuing a teaser seven months in advance. Fortunately for both the R-rated comedy “Horrible Bosses” and animated action/adventure film “The Adventures of Tintin” look good upon first glance.

The summer season can get big, loud and obnoxious. Considering it lasts four months and not every moviegoer wants that heavy dose of blockbuster, independent films and dramas can offer a nice alternative for the summer, even if the can’t-miss ones are usually out in November and December. Considering Oscar-nominated Best Picture “The Kids Are […]

If superheroes are you cup of tea, you have four great options this summer (“Thor” was a solid start too), but even then you’d be hard-pressed to avoid the other big blockbusters this season has to offer. With three titan-sized sequels to some of the most profitable film series and some aspiring franchises-to-be, there’s a […]

After two big opening weekends at the theaters courtesy “Fast Five” and “Thor,” things should cool off a bit this week in preparation for a huge rest of May. “Pirates of the Caribbean” sails into theaters next week and “Kung Fu Panda 2” and “The Hangover Part II” arrive Memorial Day weekend. For some of […]

Don’t mistake the gay characters and situations of “I Love You, Phillip Morris” for being original story components. Sure, not many movies of this caliber are so carefree and open about homosexuality, but underneath, the fact that the main character Steven Russell (Jim Carrey) is gay has no bearing on the story John Requa and […]

Comedy has not been one of the stronger genres thus far in 2011. Only “Just Go With It,” the Adam Sandler Valentine’s Day comedy, grossed more than $100 million domestically yet scored poorly with critics. Many of these films could reverse the trend, starting with two films in May: one a sequel to the highest-grossing […]

Looking at the whole of the Marvel universe, Thor would have to be the black sheep. For one thing, he’s the Norse god of thunder. His world — the realm of Asgard — is completely foreign to us, as is most Norse mythology. Greek mythology, maybe, but definitely not Norse. As for the hero himself, […]