DVD Releases (1/15/08)
Unfortunately, this is not the best week for DVD release. The two major studio films coming out are a combined 17 percent fresh on rottentomatoes.com. You should just rent Poltergeist again instead of a renting a new release.
1. Mr. Woodcock
Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Susan Sarandon, Sean William Scott, Amy Poehler
Directed by Craig Gillespie
Plot: John Farley (Scott) was tortured in school by a psychotic gym teacher Mr. Woodcock (Thornton). Years later John is a successful self-help guru, but is terrified when he learns that his Mom (Sarandon) is dating Mr. Woodcock. John returns home with the mission to put an end to his Mom’s relationship.
Review: I get why Scott and even Thornton would agree to do this film. Scott is not the most in demand actor in Hollywood and can not afford to be too picky about the scripts he chooses. Thornton is going to through a mean-spirited phase where he must enjoy playing vile characters including roles in Bad Santa, Bad News Bears, and School for Scoundrels. However, there is no excuse for Susan Sarandon’s involvement in this boring and unfunny film. Mr. Woodcock is one cliche 13 year old joke after another. Though, I guess we should be thankful the fact that this is not a romantic comedy. As a result you don’t have deal with some trite love story in between all the dull jokes.…….Which brings me to my next film.
2. Good Luck Chuck
Starring Dane Cook, Jessica Alba, and Dan Folger
Directed by: Mark Helfrich
Plot: After women sleep with Charlie (Cook) they meet their true love. Charlie must break this curse so that he can sleep with his new girlfriend Cam Wexler (Alba), who hilariously enough is accident-prone.
Review: I imagine that when the coveted Razzie awards are announced next week for achieving great lows in cinema Good Luck Chuck will receive multiple nominations. Even for a romantic comedy this is an annoying and formulaic film. Very few laughs are to be had through Good Luck Chuck’s running time, and the few that exist can be conveniently found in the film’s trailers. When will the studios learn that merely putting Dane Cook in a romantic comedy with an attractive but not very talented actress (Employee of the Month) does not guarantee box office success or laughs?
Also coming out: Wedding Daze, and Dora the Explorer: Undercover Dora
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