In Theaters: 05.09.08

This week seems to be a return to form for the movie industry. I say that meaning both good and bad things. It’s good because many of the studios are desperately seeking a hit, especially Universal, but it’s bad because horrible films are starting to pick up most of the hype (Speed Racer). Iron Man killed last weekend at the box office and has a chance of staying the best reviewed film of 2008. I’m expecting Speed Racer to fall flat on its face this weekend and come in a close second to Iron Man. Anyone who didn’t get a chance to see the witty dialog of Robert Downey Jr. has heard by now how great it is and will find their way to the theaters, that also includes me.

I see Speed Racer much like I saw Transformers when it was released last summer. Only this time I don’t find myself attracted to the characters nearly enough to warrant it a viewing, unless that viewing takes place on HBO or twenty years from now on AMC. I was never a fan of the cartoon or it’s comic book counterpart. What the Wachowski brothers attempted to create was an extremely colorful and exciting world (that was my no duh moment). In my opinion, it ended up becoming very overwhelming, cheesy, and puke-inducing. The only reason I could see myself going is for Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, and John Goodman. Unless you held some attachment to this as a kid, I recommend skipping it.

What Happens in Vegas should be called “What Happened to Cameron Diaz?” Her choice in roles lately has been downright awful. If only she could go back and start using her talents in more movies like Being John Malkovich or There’s Something About Mary. Her What Happens in Vegas costar, Ashton Kutcher, should just go back to TV where he can at least do SOME good. I hate to spoil movies but in this case I’ll make an exception, they fall in love at the end. I didn’t even have to look that up.

Two other newcomers this week that won’t be receiving too much attention look ok. The first is a Jiu-Jitsu drama starring Tim Allen and Chjwetel Ejiofor called Redbelt. Perhaps the best part about Redbelt is that we get to see Tim Allen stretch his acting arms since we normally only get to see his dimwitted tool man side. It’s not typically the type of movie I’d recommend seeing based off the trailer alone but it easily looks like it could be a worthy rental when the time comes. The other is the Tracey Fragments featuring Ellen Page. Even though it hasn’t been received well by critics, the trailer managed to get me pretty excited and that’s enough to make me see it at least once. If you’re one of those creepy Ellen Page fanboys then this probably won’t cause a change of heart or anything.

Besides getting a chance to see Iron Man this weekend, I’ll also be checking a former recommendation that I gave out my very first week, Teeth. You can expect a review of both films in the coming days. One last note: I’m in the process of moving back home so posts will be sporadic at best for the next week or so.