Sunday, May 25, 2008

REVIEW: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls

Directed by Steven Spielberg
Starring Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Cate Blanchett and Shia LaBeouf



Oh , Indie, how we've missed you.

Look, there have been some pretty bashing reviews, people out there attacking this Indiana Jones straight to the very core, but I belong to the positive side and there I will gladly stay. This movie deserves to belong on the shelf along with the other three. Is it the best in the series? Hell no! But it does belong with the others. And seeing the track record of reviving old, rotting series so far, that's about as good as you could possible expect.


I'm 18 years old, that means I did not grow up watching the movies in that glorious old theater. But I did grow up as a child watching the original films on VHS again, and again. So I know the first films, I loved the first film, and so I went into the theater ready with a flaming cocktail if the film dared let me down. But it isn't perfect, it's actually far from it. But what makes this film works is how it triumphs despite it.

So let's start with the bad first. For one thing, when Spielberg promised a film nearly devoid of C.G.I. I was thrilled, I dearly hoped for the original fell of the originals. But the truth is far from it. Rather, it is loaded with so much effects, it tones down many of the scenes. And some are just plain laughable and not in the good way (The monkey scene anybody?). And what it does to the finale is simply disappointing, which leads us to my other big gripe about the film... the ending.



You see, the ending just wasn't Indy. He barely does anything, and the entire thing shakes, explodes and goes crazy with him basically just there to watch everything occur. It does not destroy the film, rather it simply is a weak final act, which is I guess forgivable seeing that so many scenes aside from it were just magic.

And finally, I have my biggest problem with it, the screenplay. It's not bad, but it does go wrong at some pretty big places. For one thing, the plot is roughly patched together, and the adventure itself plays little to serve as the movie's point of interest, that honor belongs to the characters (of whose interactions are both amazing and way too few in between). I do not care about the far fetched plot, it does not seem all that more unbelievable than Nazi's looking for the power of God or the occult prying beating hearts out of you body. Rather it's how little heart it actually adds into the mix.


But thankfully, the good parts of this film answers all these problems and quite a lot more. For one, let's talk about what really made us all come back to watch this movie. Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. The man has been under the radar lately, but the moment he puts that hat back on you know he's back. There is just no one else who can do that role but him, and he comes back to take on the role just exactly the way we all remember, and for that he shines. From that smug look to that "I've been there before" tone, it's just pure nostalgia with every line, every joke and every reference to good old days. He does not do as much stunts as he did before, but come on the man's 65 you can't expect him to. But what he does is more than enough and every time he pulls through, you begin to remember just why you fell in love with him in the first place.

Also, while the ending fell flat, that does not mean the other scenes do. Say what you want about Spielberg, but in my opinion he is unparalleled in creating intense action scenes that keeps the heart pounding and adds in a chortle or even a jolt of laughter here and there. Besides, the man has never made a bad movie yet, at least not for me. And so it is clearly his style and his movie at every scene, and he steers it magnificently. Both the motorbike scene and the truck chase are entertaining beyond measure, just how Indiana scenes are supposed to feel. And when the action is absent, that good hold Indiana sense of humor and heart of gold is always present to keep you glued.



Adding to that is the return of Marion, who we all know is the only one Indie was meant to be with. From the first time she shows up, you know every single scene involving the two will sizzle with pure chemistry. Added into the mix is Mutt Williams or as we all would rather call him I'm sure, Henry Jones III. I'm at a lost for Shia as the heir to the hat. He does an effective job here, he channels a good interaction with both mom and pops and holds his own on the action scene. In fact, at some points you can actually see the old shine from his old man in him, you can actually believe he is Indiana's son, which is the most important part. What does trouble me is that the character is raw, and even if that problem was absent there's no changing the fact that there is no way he or anyone else can replace Harrison in the role he was born to play. I would love a sequel, yes please. But I would rather leave the series here all and out if the sequel would rather toy the idea of son replaces father as the ending here seems to suggest.

I'm sure I can't go anywhere without mentioning the other supports, non of which can ever match the magic of either Marcus Brody or Henry Jones Sr. both of whom are lovingly mentioned. If anything, it's Indie's show with his family. Cate Blanchett as the villain was not as good as I hoped her to be. While nonetheless holding her own against the new Jones boys, she does appear awkward as a villain at some points and perhaps mostly of all she falters in her final scene, which I believe fell flat.


But come on, I did not come into this movie thinking it was going to top the series, but it did work out magnificently in the end. It gives out some memorable scenes that are worthy of the series and if I were to rank it, I'd give it the position of 3rd in the series. Don't take that badly, seeing as how the series itself has been magnificent. And while it might not match fully the magic f the best of Indiana, it does prove itself worthy to stand beside it in the winner's podium. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go watch the original films a full five times each before sinking into a state of self-imposed nostalgic depression while waiting for the DVD release of the series' fourth. Thank you, Indiana, and welcome back.

8 out of 10

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

REVIEW: Speed Racer

Speed Racer
Directed by Andy and Larry Wachowski
Starring Emile Hirsche, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox and Rain



Speed Racer is a shame. It's a damn right shame. No, not because it is as all the critics claim it to be- a worthless piece of eye candy- because it's not. If anything, it's really not half bad. No, it's a damn right shame for several reasons. It's a shame that the film opened at a shocking number three spot at the box office, taking in only $18 million and losing to Ashton's chick flick (talk about embarrassing!). It's a shame that due to the flurry of attacks from the critics I now find this film highly underrated. And it's a shame that after this, no one will trust the Wachowski Brothers (Matrix Trilogy) with another big budget movie again. And that's the biggest shame of all because while the two may have their flaws and share of misfires, when they suck, they do so with style. And nothing less can be expected from the creators of the fame Bullet Time.

By the way I defend the movie, it's as if I loved the thing, but don't get me wrong because I don't. But I did enjoy it, maybe even more than I expected and more than I'm willing to admit. But it does have flaws, and ones that if anything should at least be given the benefit of the doubt.



For one thing, this movie can get highly confusing, a side-effect of its highly ambitious graphic style. For all the cool effect swirling heads and swapping backgrounds could do the first few times, it also serves the plot all sorts of twists and turns, and not the good kind.

Also, the acting can range from "Cheesy and loving it!" to "Driving while constipated". I did not expect Oscar winning performances from the movie, in fact I expected classy bad ones. You know, the cheesy kind that despite the fact that it's nowhere bear believable, it fits perfectly in such a fabulously fictitious world as this. And it works, but after a while, some of the more flat lines take its toll and the more it hits you later in the movie, the more you start feeling the strain of the actors as they try to keep the script alive. While not enough to cry foul and ruin the movie completely, it does nothing to convince you to watch the movie. If anything, it's a blunt throw that serves only to push forward whatever little plot there is in this kid-like extravaganza and little else.


But if you're like me or the two or three other people out there who bothered showing up for the movie, you didn't watch it for the story. You watched it for the headache inducing eye candy, and that's what you'll get. And oh the glory of it all. This is by far one of the most boldly creative movies to come in a long while. Everything about it emits a fanatical swirl of rainbow colors and the art style switches amazingly fast and snappy. One moment it's a CGI treat, the next it's a slow motion shoot-out and karate-fest with comic-like layering. It serves to give one some of the most marvelous and downright jaw-dropping scenes in quite a while. I must take this time to give props to Matthew Fox as Racer X who by far is the coolest and most kick-ass character out there. While not a critical plus, it does give one goosebumps. The graphics, though, do quite some damage. I first hated it in the trailers, thinking it will just make me go dizzy. Well, the graphics ended up entertaining me despite making me dizzy. And for all the cool car moves out there, they get lost in the jumble of candy-colored explosions and checkered backgrounds. For all the good the adrenaline rush gave the action, it could have paid off to slow down a bit at just the right pivotal moments.


So in the end, Speed Racer does nothing to convince me it's a classic blockbuster we'd all remember, in fact it isn't even great. But it does entertain, which is more than we can say than a lot of the wannabes out there right now in the business. And if compared to the masterpiece that was the Matrix, it is safe to assume that this may yet be the latest of the Wachowski's misfires. But despite that, one must at least give the movie props for its technical aspects which I believe are topnotch despite a dizzy fit here and there. Besides, I'd rather watch two great artists try and fail than to see them not try at all.

By the way, that monkey's just annoying.

7 out of 10

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Book Review: Twilight! And some quick comic bashes!

Twilight
by Stephanie Meyer


Well, I finally read it. After constant insistence on the sheer awesomeness of this book and the countless times I've been told to just read the damn thing, I finally have. And I went into the book with an equal sense of high expectations and a bit of stubborn skepticism. On both fronts I have been generously not disappointed.

First of all, this book is highly entertaining, the most of any book in my recent memory. It is rare to find a page-turner of this magnitude and like many books of the same breed, it draws this from its narrative. This Romance novel is dangerously addictive with its sensual tale and dark tone, it appeals to the inner romantic and emotive of any normal-brained adolescent (myself included). It is, however, by and large a girl's book. Not that open-minded testosterone induced individuals cannot enjoy it, I did immensely, but this was done by a woman and it clearly shows. The hero is a girl, and not only that, but a rather plain girl. Bella then falls in love with Edward, a vampire who by the most Estrogen-filled chance is a complete stud. If anything, this is by part an ode to one of a perfect female fantasy of falling in love with a mysterious and very dark stranger who is handsome and powerful beyond belief.

That brings us to what works perfectly. The first part, and by large a majority of the book, deals with Bella's descent into a dark, romantic and very dangerous world. How Stephanie handles Bella's teenage mindset, the stages of her falling in love from outright denial and hate to the point of sheer unconditional love, is so well made that it makes every page gush with suspense even when there's absolutely nothing happening. The author's expert use of the senses in her narrative, her masterful grasp of the teenage mindset and even a dash of old school irony borrowed heavily from Meyer's obvious love of the classics all contribute to an expertly told tale of macabre romance. And there's barely a drop of blood for the majority of the novel. All this tells a lot of the narrative work and the excellent conversation handling.

But then for all its undeniable appeal, it has its downside. The hyped finale is both predictable and abrupt, not to mention the pumped up pacing horribly shatters the slow dark build up of much of the book's romantic run. If anything, the delve into death is inevitable to add a sense of conflict and danger, but the handling of it is by far different from the rest of the book it ends up feeling completely different and quickly concluded, as if as an afterthought. If anything, it acts more like the end of a television episode where you have the feeling of inevitable continuation. While many books deal like that, this one deals so in such a case that it leaves a lot of disappointing conclusions, though a lot of the more interesting unanswered ones leave one wanting much more from the sequel.

Another disappointing turn is the handle on some characters. While most supporting are left ignored, it is the interesting ones that I feel are not given enough room to shine, and those that compromise this group is basically the Vampire family. While some characters are given a side story or two that adds a new dimension, such as the likable Alice, most feel more like missed opportunities such as Jasper and Rosalie who are both hinted at more conflict yet are never pushed to the extent beyond that of a character caricature. Speaking of which, the heroine herself, Bella, is by far a mixed element. While I applaud the exert handle on her for a majority of the issue, once she starts falling hopelessly in love with Edward she becomes highly annoying. You could excuse her sheer addiction for Edward's constant presence from time to time, one may even forgive her for thinking just about him just about every single page, but once this starts to pan out for the last quarter of the novel's run, it ruins a lot of the character build up she's had done on the first part of the book. In other words, she starts off as a responsible, smart and stubborn teenage girl and ends up a love-sick puppy with no sense of self worth. I know characters are supposed to change and evolve through the stories, but this is ridiculous, she feels like a completely different person by the end of it.

But all these, I suppose are excusable for now, just because of how well the story is driven into one's cranium. Despite its several flaws, and a few major one here and there, this story leaves one frantic and driven to know more about this dark world in Forks, despite the inevitable conclusion that, yes, you can probably guess what occurs in the next chapter. If anything, this is an ode to masterful storytelling that is entertaining beyond praise. It is no wonder that the book is so ridiculously popular, its appeal is just both so unique and yet so natural. A definite must-read for anyone looking for something to delve to in those long lonely nights.

7.5 out of 10


Quick COMIC Bashes

Wolverine # 62-65 (Get Mystique)
Written by Jason Aaron/ Pencils by Ron Garney


One of the best interpretations of the two characters ever, period. From the intricate look at their pasts to the mind-blowing confrontation between these two legendary characters, the handle on the interaction between the two is just spotless and highly entertaining. Now that Sabertooth is dead and rotting, I am really rooting for Mystique to take his place as Logan's arch-rival. This great book just shows that it's a match made in heaven. P.S. Garney's sketchy art is bot unique and highly addictive. While unremarkable at first, it grows on you to the point that you can't quite get enough of it.
10/10

Invincible Iron Man # 1
Written by Matt Fraction/ Pencils by Salvador Larroca


Awesome. It is clear that with the success of the blockbuster film, Marvel has decided to delve back a bit on what truly makes Tony Stark such a likable character. From his playboy mannerisms to his witty charm, this book molds the good old Stark with his more modern role as S.H.I.E.L.D Director. Better yet, it even plays up old school spasms withe Ezekiel Stane, son of the movie's villian Obadiah Stane, taking up the role as Iron Man's rival in the Iron suit business.

10/10

Batman # 676 (R.I.P.)
Written by Grant Morrison / Pencils by Tony Daniel


Is it just me or is every comic I've been getting so good it merits a ten? This is yet another one, not that R.I.P has begun, everyone is dying to know how Morrison is planning to kill of the Dark Knight. This book is more like a prologue more than anything else, and serves as a jumping point for any new readers and as a refresher for all the old ones. While books like these are usually boring, nothing Grant manages to do ever comes across as that. Besides, the spectacular and creepy finale more than merits the high score I give it now. Really, that ending is just so insane, I still have goosebumps right now. Joker is the bomb.

10/10

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Obama! Clinton! And Archuleta! Wait... who was that last one again?

OBAMA/CLINTON CAMPAIGN

It has been going on for quite some time now, too long a time in fact. It's about time to I put in some thought on the topic, I mean now's a good a time as any now that both North Carolina and Indiana has released their respective exit poll results. In case there are those of you unaware, Obama draws closer by sweeping North Carolina 56% to Clinton's 42%. Hillary on the other hand just managed to squeeze a victory out of Indiana 51% to Obama's 49%. All this after what is undoubtedly the worst three weeks of Obama's campaign to be the Democratic Nominee for this November's Presidential Elections.

In case you haven't noticed as well, I support Obama. Well, I can't really support him, I'm not American. But I am rooting for him. Here's why.

Someone told me last week that he didn't care who among the two made it, they were basically the same no-result candidates. I contested that Obama was different, and he shrugged it off that he simply was a mere symbol of America's want for 'Change'. He has his own opinion, but in mine I believe he just gave what is the best possible reason on why Obama should be the next president. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's start off with his two main opponents shall we?

Hillary Clinton is his immediate obstacle, and what an obstacle too. By no means is she an awful choice. All things considered, she's a damn pretty good one. She may represent the same old politics of her husband Bill, but she represents also years of experience and know-how, something we have to realize that Obama seriously lacks. She is active, a doer and for all her talk, it is true that she is a huge fighter. The fact that she is still struggling to wrestle the nomination from Obama this late in the game speaks wonders on her capabilities to lead the world's leading nation. She is fierce, tough and a woman. Trust me, that last one is a huge part. Not only would that mean a first, but it would represent a whole new way of how the government is run.

Then there's John McCain. At first sight, he is a very pleasant person, a smiling man who doesn't take himself too seriously. You would not imagine this was the same man who was captured and tortured back in Vietnam. He takes into this game a whole slew of experience despite his really old age (he would be the oldest president ever elected if he wins). Sure he may not physically stand strong, but by values he is tough. How tough? Bush tough. In fact, he is almost like a Bush clone, which can be a good or bad thing depending on where you stand on the whole Iraq issue.

Now on Obama. By all accounts it's not logical. He's a black man (face it, there's still racial discrimination no matter how you put it), he's young, he's inexperienced and people don't know anything about him. Who knows what figurative skeletons are hiding in his closet? So why is he doing so well? Well, for one thing, the man is a sensation. As Michael Moore put it, it's not as much about the 'candidate' but about the 'movement'.

He is all about Change. And in a world going down, or at least a nation, it is a word that tugs quite a lot of strings. People are tired, of war, of economic woes, of everything. And they want something else. You may scoff at the idea, but it's an idea so commonly ignored in most political contests. People focus on making things better, but this man is not about improvement, he's about a revolution of how things works. He is reinventing politics and it shows. People gather for his speeches, for his call. They flock to him, enchanted, and what's not to be enchanted about? The man is always presidential, and his speeches are damn well the most inspiring out there. Say what you want about him, but I also think he has the most outstanding principles out there. Look at it this way, for all his bickering with Clinton, he barely touched the dirty stuff. Clinton ravaged every one of his mistakes, from his Muslim relations all the way to his former drug use. And for all the deep dark things in Clinton's book, Obama hasn't bothered bringing up even one. And when things were looking bleak for Clinton, she lashed out every way she could at Obama's character, at his principles and at his credibility. Obama, more than anything, even when he was the potential loser, has always been all about the possibilities. He rarely attacked the other candidates so closely as to call to question their ability to run the country.
Before this I've never really been that interested in American Politics, but that's the charm of this 47- year old Catholic. He's almost like Kennedy back for another go. Young, idealistic and a determination to lead this nation to true change by the most solid values. Add in the fact that this neck-to-neck race has been absolutely thrilling. By now, it seems pretty obvious that Clinton should drop out, the numbers are just not feasible anymore, no matter how far you try to stretch it. It shows too, her victory speech (on her small victory) revealed a more weary vision of this fighter. Despite her ferocity, she should start realizing that a great leader should also know when she's beat. Because after today, it's pretty clear as it has been for the last few months, that she no longer stands a chance.


AMERICAN IDOL TOP 4

4.) Jason Castro


Let's face it. Castro was a mess tonight. It was almost like he was trying to convince everyone not to vote for him. For all his baby-blue eye appeal, nothing in the world can salvage the train wreck of both his performances. The firs was murder in the highest degree, eliciting from Simon one of this worst comments this season, "Atrocious". The second was slightly better the way a poke in the eyes is slightly more preferable than a kick in the balls. But then again, he did forget a part of the lyrics. It was like the collective bad karma of all the weeks he should have been booted have come back to collectively haunt him in a single night and hand him his ass. If there was any justice in the world, even the slightest mini-droplet, he would be gone tomorrow.

3.) Sayesha Mercado

I really feel for her, not just because of her emotional breakdown today, but also because she's in an impossible position and even she knows it. She has talent, that much is clear, although not nearly as much as either David's. She also lacks the staying power of either, and now that Jason has signed his own death sentence, the next week is practically a closed deal for her. It's like a fixed schedule now, and she can see it coming a mile away. Give her props for the effort though, and her breakdown was most inspiring. But she's on borrowed Hollywood time, and all she can do is start preparing for a spectacular farewell.

2.) David Cook

Here comes the only change this week around. David Cook was, quite frankly, a disappointment. No, he wasn't bad. But he wasn't spectacular either, and in a Rock and Roll themed week, it should have been his chance to shine. Instead he falters in his first and only just makes up for it with his second. Still, despite his somewhat lackluster performance this week around, it is still undeniable that his appeal is still massive, and there is no way he is going out this early. He is tailor-made for a finale, disappointing turn or not. For him and his other namesake, no other episode matters no except for the last one.

1.) David Archuleta

Little David is back on top and, as Simon put is, crushing the competition. His performances tonight was outstanding despite a little fluke here and there, and in a night where everyone else seems to start showing their flaws and vulnerabilities, David is busy showing off why he was the early favorite to win the competition. Although some of the magic of his youthful charm has definitely worn out, it's nights like these that could help him remind everyone just why they love him. He keeps this up, and he can start getting the pull over his namesake this early on, now that it's clear just who he has to watch out for.

Monday, May 5, 2008

TOP 10 SUMMER MOVIES!!! What to look out for!

With Iron Man a box office sensation, the summer slew of blockbusters and films are already underway. For those of you not updated on just what's in store for us for the next few months here is my top 10 movies list for the summer. I also suggest looking up the trailers of the movies here that catch your eye, most of them have already been released anyway. Youtube, anyone?

10.) MAMA MIA!

WHY: After last year's double musical hit with both Hairspray and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, it seems only logical that the trend continues. Make no mistake though, Mama Mia! is whole new beast, with it's 70's ABBA Songs and the quirk

y old fashioned dancing, this movie is not for everyone. Nonetheless, its hilarious turn in broadway demands we should at least take a look at this. After all, two names in the cast alone are worth the ticket price- Streep- Brosnan. Come on, sing it with me! Mama Mia! Here we go agaaaain!!!

TRIVIA: Director Phyllida Lloyd also directed the original ‘Mamma Mia!’ Broadway Play.



9.) THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN



WHY: I'll be honest with you, I didn't like the first one all that much, and the second does nothing much for me either. Sure the trailer has its cool moments, but why should anyone out there not in the mood for another Lord of the Rings wannabe care to check this one out? Well for starters Prince Caspian's a hunk, a definite plus to all you ladies around. And for those of you who hated the first movie due to its lackluster action, fear not. The producers announced, and the trailer shows, quite an improvement in the action department. Plus, Weta can never go wrong with their CGI creatures.

TRIVIA: This movie was originally planned for a 2007 release. What the hell happened???



8.) HANCOCK



WHY: If there's any real box-office king, it's Will Smith. The guy has not had a single flop in nearly a decade, now that's amazing. He has the Midas' Touch of Hollywood and there's no doubt in my mind that Hancock will end his winning streak. The movie follows Hancock, a cocky, drunk, irresponsible and overly repulsive superhero who must prove to the world that he's got an ounce of dignity in that metal heart. The trailer's fantastic, not to mention hilarious. This movie is a definite must see for those of you looking out for a good time.




7.) THE INCREDIBLE HULK



WHY: When word got out that Marvel's first movie by itself, Iron Man, got in an impressive $100.7 million in the opening weekend, everyone's scrambling for congratulations. But Marvel shouldn't rest easy just yet because it has a second movie ready to take up the challenge. Although buzz and hype for this film is not nearly as big as either Iron Man or The Dark Knight, it has its own respectable way about it. Edward Norton takes the role of Bruce Banner, previously played by Eric Bana. For those of you wondering, this movie completely disregards the first one, but rather plays on its own following an already radiated Banner running from the U.S. Army. Norton has always been extremely talented, and I'm liking what I see so far with the new Hulk (although Abomination, his enemy in this movie, is still on the fence). Oh, and watch out for Robert Downey Jr. a.k.a. Iron Man to make a special appearance in this film.

TRIVIA: Director Louis Letterier first wanted Iron Man but got this instead. Oh well...



6.) WANTED



WHY: With this day and age of computer graphics, it's rare that a trailer can still be kick ass with all the slow motion action going around. But Wanted does exactly that. Based on a comic of the same name, the film follows a league of assassins as they recruit their newest member. This is Angelina Jolie's return to the action genre, and I must say it's a pretty kick-ass comeback. Come on, I dare you to tell me that you did not love that last 'GOODBYE' bullet. Though I doubt story or characterization are going to be much of a star in this action flick, it still has my heart pumping for some adrenaline rush.

TRIVIA: Director Timur Bekmambetov's Russian. This is his first American film!


5.) HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY



WHY: Reviews for the first film may be mixed, but I'm among those who loved it. The director, Guillermo del Toro, has an amazing vision. His next movie, Pan's Labyrinth, was an absolute wonder. The man had a distinct fantasy style no one else had. Now word's gone out that he is going to spend the next four years in New Zealand directing two prequels to the Lord of the Rings movie, all the more reason to check out his latest, the Hellboy sequel. Expect all the characters to return, and Abe Sapien getting a bigger role. Trust me, Toro is the bomb, and this movie will prove it.

TRIVIA: Director Guillermo del Toro turned down doing Halo, One Missed Call, Harry Potter and I Am Legend just to do this film. Talk about dedicated!




4.) KUNG FU PANDA



WHY: I know Dreamwork's Ice Age 3 is coming out, but come on now, who really watched that movie for any other reason than seeing Scrap the squirrel get pounded. Now this other movie, Kung Fu Panda, makes our list. While I was not all that thrilled at first at the concept of a kicking panda, early reviews have raved that this movie is the peak of Dreamwork's accomplishment, comparing it with even Pixar's masterpieces. Now that's pretty high praise. Even the trailer was charming in its own way, while boasting some of the amazing images I've been hearing about. Besides, it's about time we see Jack Black in an actually funny role again. Dumpling, anyone?

TRIVIA: Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu and Angelina Jolie are among the stellar voices here!



3.) WALL-E


WHY: Why!? This is Pixar!!! You hear that name and you shouldn't be asking why! Had the competition not been so fierce this year, Wall-E would have easily toped this list. Pixar is one of the most consistent producers of quality films out there, and I look forward every year to their movies, which not only boasts the best animation anywhere but also unique and top-class story telling (something Dreamworks or any of its competitors have yet to master). Plus, this movie is screaming potential, I have never been this excited in a Pixar concept since... well, ever! I am really hoping this would top some of Pixar's other greats such as, oh let's see... Finding Nemo, Incredibles and Ratatouille. Plus, Wall-E is just adorable!!!

TRIVIA: There is almost no human voices here, most are created digitally to sound like robots. Now that's amazing!



2.) INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF CRYSTAL SKULLS


WHY: I have been waiting for this movie for like.... ever! For one thing, its the long-awaited sequel to what is most likely the best adventure series out there. Say what you want about all those wannabes, there is no one else in the world who will beat Indiana Jones. He was the first, and he is the best, no question about it. Now at the age of 60, Harisson Ford is back in the fedora with Steven Spielberg, who is also one of the most consistently brilliant directors out there, in this sequel. If you have not watched any of the previous film, I insist you stop reading this right now, get a copy, and watch it. You are missing a huuuge part of you life. And now that the fourth film is finally here, one can rest easy in the knowledge that Dr. Jones has returned.

TRIVIA: Although Lucas wanted a lot of digital effects, Spielberg wanted to shoot it mostly in good all fashioned film, using only CGI when really necessary.



1.) THE DARK KNIGHT


WHY: Let me be honest with you, I am completely biased in this first choice, but come on, can you blame me? Dark Knight's viral marketing campaign has pushed the hype for this film into overdrive. Nolan's visionary dark take on the Batman continues in this sequel as Bruce Wayne faces off with The Joker. If you've been living under a rock, let me be the first to inform you that Heath Ledger is dead, but his Joker is destined to be the peak of his career. It is a real shame too, but the Joker here is dark, dangerously sadistic and a true maniac. It is a shame the man can no longer reprise the role. Plus it has been confirmed that both Two-Face AND Scarecrow will be in the film. This is geek heaven, and this film has a lot of expectations to meet. It is to my belief, however, that this movie will meet them all and then some. Long live the Dark Knight!

TRIVIA: To prepare for his role Heath locked himself in a hotel room for a month, fantasizing about the evils of the world and what makes them funny. He put it all down in a diary. Rest in peace, Heath.


OTHER MOVIES TO WATCH OUT FOR:

SPEED RACER
The guys who brought you The Matrix are back in this colorful adrenaline rush of a film.

GET SMART
Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway battle evil in this remake of the hilarious TV classic series.

X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE
They're still out there. Enough said.

THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR
The series comes back, and this time it takes place in good ole China.
YOU DON'T MESS WITH THE ZOHAN
The comedy must-see of the season. Imagine Adam Sandler as Borat. Eeeeww....HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR YEAR
A bit far off, but we know you'll all still watch it, sucky or not.