marketing horrors: Shrek Twinkies

To Woody Harrelson in Zombieland, the Twinkie was a “spunky yellow delicious bastard.” But the totally objective, just-plain-fact of the matter is that Twinkies are nasty. And somehow, they are rendered even nastier when the creamy filling is green: Does it taste like wasabi? Or like mold? It’s an adventure in every bite! (Apparently, there … more…

trailer break: ‘Kites’

Take a break from work: watch a trailer… Huh. I didn’t know Quentin Tarantino had gone to Bollywood. Where’ Uma Thurman? Seriously, though: This film is the big push to get mainstream North American audiences into Bollywood movies. The film is being released on the same day in India as it is around the world, … more…

the ‘Robin Hood’ that almost wasn’t…

We should have been so lucky. The U.K. box numbers are out, and Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood fared much better on its nominal home ground (for all the Brit involvement, it’s still an American-funded production keyed to a Hollywood mindset). It earned £5.8 million this past weekend, the third best opening weekend for a film … more…

trailer break: ‘Pimp’

Take a break from work: watch a trailer… Sheesh: men and their economic and sexual dominance. Why don’t they just relax already? Pimp opens in the U.K. on May 21 (and also on demand on FilmFlex, iTunes, Playstation, and LoveFilm); no U.S. or Canadian release date has been announced.

new this week in U.S., Canadian, and U.K. theaters: ‘Shrek Forever After,’ ‘MacGruber,’ ‘Cop Out,’ ‘Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’ more (with DVD alternatives)

U.S. AND CANADA/OPENING WIDE Shrek Forever After: Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and Puss square off against the evil tyrant Rumpelstiltskin. Scary. [trailer] review to come If you can’t make it to the multiplex, try: • Shrek 2 (2004): Still the best in the series, with one of the greatest character intros ever (for Puss in Boots). … more…

trailer break: ‘Machete’

Take a break from work: watch a trailer… Well, take that, Arizona. I’m counting down till some right-wing hothead takes this movie as “evidence” that Arizona is right to crack down on all those dangerous criminals picking vegetables and mowing lawns. Because, look: They’re killing our innocent politicians and rich white folk! And stealing all … more…

question of the day: Do super actors make super heroes?

Iron Man 2 held on to the top spot of the North American box office this past weekend, adding another $52 million to its coffers and handily trouncing the No. 2 film, Robin Hood, which earned $36 million, even though the Ridley Scott/Russell Crowe adventure was new. (They jointly did much better a few years … more…

trailer break: ‘The Karate Kid’

Take a break from work: watch a trailer… I’m not sure yet whether it’s a good thing that this movie about Asian martial arts is actually set in China, unlike the 1984 original, or if there’s something obnoxious in the cute little American kid kicking kung-fu ass better than the mean little Chinese kids. Still, … more…