Warning : This will contain serious spoilers for The Taking of Pelham 123.

Going into the newest film from gloss auteur Tony Scott, The Taking of Pelham 123, I expected a few things. Those being dizzying editing and cinematography, a nerdy Denzel and some stuff involving car chases. But what I didn’t expect was one of the film’s stars to basically use the movie to come out of the closet.

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Ethan’s Score : 9/10

First off, no more “LOL, PAUL BLART 2!!!” jokes. I hate that this sublime work of comic ingenuity is being compared to some fatty falls down-fest that happened to strike a chord with middle-america. What you get here is truly a comedic version of Martin Scorsese’s 1976 classic Taxi Driver. If that doesn’t make you realize how far this goes outside the box, then let me explain it to you.

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  Um…okay.

I didn’t mind the first Crank film. I didn’t think it was the end-all action orgasm that some thought it was. But I thought that it had its moments. But still, with that dedicated cult fanbase, there is obviously a lot of anticipation for the next installment. But even those who are Gaytham for Statham have to admit something, what the hell is this movie?

From the re-goddamn-diculous set photos of a foam-encrusted Statham to the cast that includes Corey Haim and a bunch of porn stars to that mind-boggling red-band trailer ; I have no doubt in my mind. This movie has to be a spoof.

Okay, let’s take a look at the plot. We all know that spoiler alert, Jason Statham died at the end of the first one. So how exactly is he going to come back? Well let’s look at the plot via IMDB : Chelios faces a Chinese mobster who has stolen his nearly indestructible heart and replaced it with a battery-powered ticker that requires regular jolts of electricity to keep working..

This is what leads me to my theory. Obviously there was no way you could really make an actual logical sequel to Crank, so why not just go all-out and make it into a spoof of the over the top action movie genre that’s been ushered in by the likes of 300, Smokin’ Aces and Shoot ‘Em Up? If this an actual deconstruction that genre that I’m incredibly intrigued.

Dave’s Note:  I’m proud to introduce a new contributor to ScreenGeeks.  Melissa comes to us with an impressive knowledge of film and her first piece for us is a character review of Watchmen.  I’m excited to present a view of the film from someone who isn’t that familiar with the source material.  Spoilers are ahead, so I’ve put the article after the jump.  Enjoy!

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Missing the Best of the Year podcast was a major suck sandwich. My dang internets was down but are now back up. So I think I should share the list I was going to discuss on the air. (more…)

Why does the Denver Film Festival matter? Two big reasons: the film selection and the people. Of the former, you get films as varied as Ray, Random Hearts and The Host getting their U.S. first looks, as well as the best documentaries, festival sleepers and soon-to-be-huge, break-out independent films getting showcased. Of the latter, you won’t find nicer or friendlier film buffs, both in the audience or behind the scenes. The people running the show are the most accommodating bunch I’ve ever come across at any film festival. The feel is very laid back, with attendance packed but never claustrophobic, and there are often multiple screenings, so you have another shot if your movie is sold out. The location is cool: The Tivoli, a former brewery in Denver, has a lot of character and enough access to the city (if you have time to kill in between screenings). How laid back is this fest? I often spot the actors and filmmakers of the movie I’m seeing roaming the halls before and after the screenings.  

Here are the cinematic highlights (in alphabetical order): (more…)

Twilight was one of your typical post-Potter young adults novels until one day…it spread. It came to the point of mass hysteria. Thousands of teen girls invaded this year’s San Diego Comic-Con (a haven for the geeky) on the day of the Twilight panel. Many internet bloggers commented on how they ruined their Comic-Con experience with their high pitched screams and inane questions aired at the cast. And since, they have stormed book stores to meet the cast. Causing near-riots. So yes, Twilight is like that new hot boy band. But here’s the thing, with a projected 60-70 Million opening weekend, this franchise is not going to go away. We are going to get sequel after sequel. And this makes me both scared and a little annoyed.

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 Editorial Note:  Dave was supposed to put this up a couple of weeks ago, but spaced it because he thought there was more to be added, but he just screwed up.  We now return you to your Saw article.

 The beginning of October is here and for many that means they look forward to when they can dress up and get multiple sugar highs on October 31st. But for a few, it’s the anticipation for the next installment of an underappreciated horror franchise. Like it or not, the Saw franchise have staked their grounds every October for the past 5 years as their own. Year after year, the series is able to turn out another moneymaker for Lionsgate, often surprise and fulfill their fans expectations, and has even collected over 80,000 pints of blood for their annual blood drive. As of last year alone, the franchise gave us the tagline, “If it’s Halloween, then it must be SAW“. This year it’s no different. Liongsate is determined to make this year one of the biggest for Saw fans yet. I’m here to tell you what to expect. (more…)

All the way back on August 22nd, Warners Brothers President Jeff Robinov stated that the studio was going to be reintroducing the character of Superman. After the ridiculous gobs of money earned by The Dark Knight, the studio figured that the correct direction was to be “dark”.

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Somewhat of another “eh” weekend at the box-office. There are a few appealing films but none have gotten that great of buzz. So basically don’t expect anything as big as Eagle Eye or Beverly Hills Chihuahua. We have in wide release Body of Lies, Quarantine, The Express and City of Ember.

Body of Lies should open at #1. But sadly, it’s been getting pretty meh reviews. It’s being sad that its Iraq war subject matter will turn off moviegoers. But to be pretty honest, from the ads I honestly cannot tell that this is about Iraq. I mean, it’s clearly about the middle east and terrorism, but I don’t think it’ll turn off moviegoers too much. And the star power of DiCaprio and Crowe will help it quite a bit. So expect a solid 20 Million opening.

Quarantine, which is a remake of the excellent Spanish horror film [REC], should get a decent amount of the Halloween audience. Though the people who got motion sickness from Cloverfield will probably stay away in droves. So I’d say about a 9 Million opening.

Both The Express and City of Ember are appealing to the family audiences. Maybe The Express a little less obviously but the PG-rating will be lucrative. And it’s football season, so expect NFL fans to give this a solid turnout. Expect about a 10 Million opening. City of Ember looks interesting but I wouldn’t be surprised if it looks too “weird” for most families. So I’d say about a 7 Million opening.