The only super-wide release today is “Punisher: War Zone,” a quasi-sequel to the lousy celebration of murder from 2004. This one’s funnier, though not intentionally. Honestly, we were stunned that they screened it for critics at all. My review is at Cinematical.
In limited release is “Slumdog Millionaire,” a very charming and exhilarating story about a street urchin who makes it to the top of India’s version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.” I saw it at Toronto back in September and would have reviewed it then, but I wanted to wait until I could see it a second time. The film is rated R, which is absolutely ludicrous. You can read my rant about it here.
Two films in semi-wide release (about 800 screens) did not screen for critics, or at least not in Portland. They are “Cadillac Records,” the true story of the pioneering Chess record label; and “Nobel Son,” a dark comedy about a kidnapping.
Also for your edification: my review of “Australia,” which opened last weekend. It sure is long! The movie, I mean, not the review.
I haven’t posted much here this week on account of I didn’t really do any work last week, and so I’ve been catching up for the various slave drivers and taskmasters I work for. Hopefully next week will be back to normal. Keep your fingers crossed!
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