SIR RIDLEY = EPIC

Nobody does epic like Ridley Scott. I am pumped for Robin Hood. I like old-school, huge-canvass, expansively-shot films and Robin Hood looks to be no exception.

QUICK COMMENTS

The Blind Side works as effective, old-fashioned, Hollywood-style sentimental schmaltz. It's well directed by John Lee Hancock (The Rookie, which is one of my favorite sports films) even when the script and musical score tag-team your emotional reserves. The story is certainly inspiring and uplifting, and Sandra Bullock's Oscar-winning performance definitely commands the screen. I just couldn't help but feel that it would have been an even better film had it been shot with rough 'n tumble hand-held cameras, with no music, and with half as much grandstanding. Still, it was entertaining and not bad by any stretch.

I completely loved The Fantastic Mr. Fox. What a wonderful movie. The voice performances were slyly humorous and the witty screenplay by Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach was a delight to listen too. Obviously, this being a film by Wes Anderson, the ultra-precise technique and visual design was a wonder to behold (as always), and the attention to detail in regards to the costumes and animal design was eye-catching. I really enjoyed the whimsical score by Alexandre Desplat; the main theme really stuck with me. Bummed I missed this one of the big screen.

I've been a fan of Pedro Almodovar's films for a long time, and had the chance to take a class while in college that was devoted to his entire body of work. Ever since then, I find it impossible to miss whatever he's recently cooked up. His latest excursion into sexual obsession (a common theme for the filmmaker) is Broken Embraces, a steamy, complicated, and enormously satisfying neo-noir with a smoking-hot performance from Penelope Cruz. I don't want to give away too much of the plot of this tricky, meta-movie-movie, but I will say that Almodovar has made one of his best films in years. It's a crime that Cruz's performance was overlooked at last year's Oscars; this is the performance that she should have been nominated for. Utilizing his customary visual palette of bold, rich colors and vibrant cinematography, Almodovar mixes sex, jealousy, love, and deceit into a sensual brew that pays off big-time by the end.

MOVIES FOR THE WEEKEND

Chloe opens this weekend in my area. It looks like some solid, sleazy trash. I'd like to see it.

How to Train Your Dragon looks fun and stylish -- I'll check it out at some point in the weeks ahead.

Hot Tub Time Machine looks like a hoot. Not sure if I'll see it in the theater or wait until Blu Ray.

I still have Broken Embraces from Netflix -- gotta check it out this weekend.

Also, The Blind Side and The Fantastic Mr. Fox hit Blu Ray this week, so I'd like to rent those soon.

I've been thinking about Green Zone a lot this week -- I really loved that film. I can't wait to see it again.

ASS-KICKER

I am a big fan of the new FX crime show Justified. 10pm on Tuesday nights. Episode #2 airs this evening. It's an hour of Elmore Leonard-inspired ass-kicking and Timothy Olyphant is right at home in the lead role. After tearing it up on Deadwood, he's found his next juicy character. This show, along with TNT's L.A. crime saga Southland, makes for a solid night of viewing.

MOVIES FOR THE WEEKEND

Alice in Wonderland 3-D on Saturday.

Green Zone on Sunday.

Broken Embraces (big Almodovar fan) from Netflix.

Despite getting trashed by critics, I have serious interest in Repo Men, the new Jude Law sci-fi actioner. I think it looks over the top in an early 90's Paul Verhoeven kind-of-way. I don't know if I'll get a chance to see it in the theaters, but I'd really like too.

I'd rather poke my eye out than watch The Bounty Hunter (my guess is that it'll be the #1 movie of the weekend...well...maybe the #1 new movie of the weekend...Alice will probably remain in the top spot).

TREY & MATT -- GLAD YOU'RE BACK!

Last night's return of the incomparable South Park (now entering it's 14th season) was comedy gold. All I have to say is: Tiger Woods can't be impressed...

HMMM...

MOVIES FOR THE WEEKEND

I am quite anxious to see the new Paul Greengrass thriller Green Zone. This weekend is tough for me to get out to the theaters, so I'm planning a double-feature next Saturday of Alice in Wonderland and Green Zone.

From Netflix for this weekend I've got Precious. Looking forward to finally seeing this film.

I've got a DVR full of flicks that I've been recording off the HD movie channels: Chopper, King of the Hill, The Ice Storm, Trouble the Water, The Good German, Harvard Beats Yale 29-29, and Fatal Attraction.

HAPPY IT WON

ALL-STYLE

CURIOUS...

MOVIES FOR THE WEEKEND

I'll definitely be seeing Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland 3-D -- just not this weekend. I'm going to be away in NYC; catching David Mamet's new show Race on Saturday. Should be great. I'll see Alice next weekend.

From Netflix is The Private Lives of Pippa Lee.

Enjoy the Oscars this Sunday!

CREATURES

Today on Blu Ray. Sweeet.