In Theaters: 01.18.08

This week’s releases are relatively disappointing once again. None of them scream “See me, see me!” There are some lone bright spots in the darkness, though. One will go primarily unnoticed and the other will be box office champion by the end of the weekend. Not like that is much to say when you look at the movies it is up against.

By now if you haven’t heard of the mysterious Cloverfield you probably never will. Buzz has been spreading for the past few months now. Any time someone tries to keep movies under wraps (and they succeed) people go ape shit for it. It is supposed to be this genre defying monster movie that focuses more on the people running away rather than the people saving the day. It’s also shot looking like a handheld camera. Considering the picture quality of the movie - that must be one expensive handheld camera. I am personally waiting for the DVD release. However, the reviews were better than I originally thought they would be.

I’m actually a little more interested in the new movie Teeth. The trailer makes it look half scary and half very funny. They also throw in this great quote from the Hollywood Reporter: “The most alarming cautionary tale for men…since Fatal Attraction.” I don’t know whether to be scared or to laugh. What I do know is that something in this girls private region doesn’t like people (especially men) taking a peek at it. One odd plot plus a cautionary tale for men equals me seeing it (probably on DVD). In case you didn’t guess already, this is the movie that probably won’t be getting much attention at the box office. It won’t be in a ton of theaters for at least the first few weeks and it has little or no advertising on its behalf. This usually means little revenue. Hopefully word of mouth can improve this situation. If it comes to a theater near me I’ll do my best to see it.

Those are the only two noteworthy movies out this week unless you are into a shitty movie with Queen Latifa and Katie Holmes in it. It goes under the alias Mad Money but don’t get it confused with the TV show, you won’t be seeing Jim Cramer in it. Also on the chopping block is a new Woody Allen film called Cassandra’s Dream. From what I hear it isn’t up to par with his other films. I recommend watching Annie Hall instead.

I am personally playing catch up this week. I may end up seeing the award-winning Atonement which just one Best Picture and numerous other awards at the Golden Globes this week. It’s by director Joe Wright and doesn’t seem like a big departure from his other films, especially Pride Prejudice. I expect good things. Next week offers a new installment in the Rambo series and the ultra-shit bomb, Meet The Spartans. Be afraid.