"Johnny Betts is a rude 'abnoxious' jerk who needs to be 'punced' in the face."- A grammatically-challenged non-fan  

Movie Minutiae - Paramount Preview - Summer 2007

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Below is a list of upcoming Summer releases for Paramount Pictures. You know the drill - the sometimes flowery synopses come straight from the studios and my expectations and insights are included. Release dates are subject to change. My opinions are subject to be highly accurate.

SHREK THE THIRD - May 18, 2007

Shrek 3 Synopsis: When Shrek married Fiona, the last thing he had in mind was becoming the next King. But when Shrek's father-in-law, King Harold, suddenly croaks, that is exactly what he faces. Unless Shrek (with the help of his trusted companions Donkey and Puss In Boots) can find a suitable King for Far Far Away, the ogre could be stuck with the job. The most promising candidate, Fiona's cousin Artie, an underachieving Medieval high school slacker, proves to be more of a challenge than they bargained for.

Johnny's Take: I gotta be honest with you - I've never been a huge fan of Shrek. I haven't even seen the second one. I thought the first one was moderately entertaining, but it pales in comparison to Pixar's animated movies, and it's just not a franchise I can get excited about. Plus, I watched the trailer and wasn't impressed.

There was no screening in Memphis, and I won't be paying to see it, so don't expect a review any time soon. But who cares? This movie's gonna make around $400 million, and not a word I say is gonna make a bit of difference.

I would caution future movies from using "the third" in the title. You're just begging for people to refer to you as "the turd." You know how critics love to use bad puns, why make their job so much easier?


TRANSFORMERS - July 4, 2007

Transformers Synopsis: Our world will be changed on July 4 when aliens make Earth their final battleground in TRANSFORMERS. As the forces of evil seek the key to ultimate power, our last chance for survival rests in the hands of young Sam Witwicky (SHIA LABEOUF).

Johnny's Take: Bring it on! I loved the cartoon when I was a kid, had the action figures, etc. etc. so yep, I'm looking forward to this one. But it's not just nostalgia that has piqued my anticipation - the trailer is actually pretty freakin' cool! I'm all for a darker take on the subject. I'll go so far as to say this is probably the remaining Summer film I'm most looking forward to, even more so than Pirates 3.

HOT ROD - August 3, 2007

Hot Rod Synopsis: Amateur stuntman Rod Kimble (ANDY SAMBERG) has a problem - his step-father Frank (IAN MCSHANE) is a jerk. Frank picks on Rod, tosses him around like a rag doll in their weekly sparring sessions, and definitely doesn't respect him, much less his stunts. But when Frank falls ill, it's up to Rod to stage the jump of his life in order to save his step-father. The plan: Jump 15 buses, raise the money for Frank's heart operation, and then... kick his [butt].

Johnny's Take: Sounds ridiculous. Let me watch the trailer...

Hmm, looks fairly ridiculous as well. Andy Samberg was good in SNL's Chronic(WHAT)cles of Narnia video, but this looks like Jimmy Fallon wasn't available (or was no longer wanted after his string of box office disasters), so producers wanted to go with a fresh SNL face. Could be decent, but I'm not sold yet.


STARDUST - August 10, 2007

Stardust Synopsis: Following the adventures of a young man who sets out on a quest to prove his love, and finds far more than he bargained for, Stardust takes on every fairy tale in which anyone ever wanted to believe. From wicked witches to dashing princes, flying pirates to dueling swordsmen, magical spells to mystical destinies, it all adds up to a funny, romantic tale of true love and high adventure unlike any other.

Johnny's Take: Well, whoever was paid to write the above synopsis sure seems high on the film. Does it have the kitchen sink also??? Let me watch the trailer and see what all the fuss is about...

It looks pretty good! I never know what to expect when a movie has the term "fairy tale" attached to it, but this looks to have its own style and personality. The gals on TMM message board tell me it's based on a Neil Gaiman novel. It's now officially on my radar.


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Traitor

Death Race

Star Wars: Clone Wars

The Dark Knight

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Hancock

Get Smart



Weekend Results:

1. Eagle Eye($29,200,000)

2. Nights in Rodanthe($13,570,000)

3. Lakeview Terrace($7,000,000)

4. Fireproof($6,514,000)

5. Burn After Reading($6,169,000)