"Burn After Reading"

Let's see...Brad Pitt, The Cloon and John Malkovich in the newest film by the Coen Brothers.

Should be a winner.

"Titani" and Tom Crooze

The MTV movie awards are sometime this weekend...but I'm not really concerned about that. But I did come across some pretty funny Ben Stiller-led parodies from past award shows.

Instand Replay

It's only a matter of time before major league baseball has instant replay in some form. Over the past couple of weeks the issue has gained a lot of momentum on the countless homerun calls botched by umpires. Allegledy they are going to try it out in some Independent Arizona league...so who knows when it will (or if it will) get to the majors. But I believe that it will happen at some point in time.

I would say that the idea of instant replay in baseball doesn't sit right with me. Ideally it shouldn't be needed and really hasn't been needed. I'm no baseball purist (I'm not even sure if that term really has a concrete meaning anymore) but the idea of instant replay...in some aspect...runs counter to the feeling of baseball.

But on the other hand I would not be opposed to instant replay for homerun calls. My main reason for this is that...you, the viewer at home...shouldn't no more than the umpires on the field. Of the past several botched homerun calls...you knew within thirty seconds that it was or wasn't a homerun. Whether a ball is a homerun or not is definitely more cut and dry than whether a runner is safe at first or if a certain pitch was a strike or not. That is why I would never be in favor of instant replay in other instances. The fear of MLB is that once you have instant replay for one thing...than it will only be a matter of time before you have it for something else.

I don't buy the argument that instant replay would (in disputed homerun calls) would slow the game down. Most of the time on those calls the umpires waste several minutes arguing with managers (normally from both teams). So I don't think it would slow down the game. Maybe just enlarge the umpiring crew to have a replay specialist that sits in the booth and the problem would be solved.

I'm guessing that umpires are resistant to this happening because in their view that it's some sort of indictment in that they can't do their job properly. But I don't really think it's that. The main reason that some of these calls are not getting called right is due to the kinks of most of these new "retro" designed fields (although two of the calls occurred at Yankee stadium). It's definitely made the umpire's job harder...thus more difficult. Instant replay would solve these problems.

In essence, I'm not a big fan of potentially having instant replay in baseball but I wouldn't be opposed to it with regard to homerun calls.

"Step Brothers" movie trailer

Via joblo.com...a Red Band trailer to the Will Ferrell/ John C. Reilly comedic film.

No question about it...the movie's already better than Semi-Pro.

"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" movie review

Nineteen years after The Last Crusade, Indiana Jones is finally back in movie houses across the country. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (PG-13) stars Harrison Ford reprising the classic title role. This time Indy is in South America searching for a crystal skull that was sacred to an ancient race of people. The year is 1957, so communists have replaced Nazis as the bad guys. Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, and Shia LaBeouf costar. Steven Spielberg directs.

Ryan: It's been a long wait and Indiana Jones is back, and while not (quite) better than ever, still pretty darn good. There's something special about seeing Indiana Jones on the big screen and that in and of itself makes for an enjoyable movie going experience. While the movie is more Temple of Doom than Raiders or Last Crusade it still delivers the excitement and captures the essence of the Indiana Jones mythos. Resurrecting a cinematic icon like Indiana Jones after a nineteen-year wait is a tough challenge. But Spielberg and company have delivered--maybe not the slam dunk that most people were looking for--but--a more than suitable (closing ?) chapter to the Indiana Jones narrative.

Andy: The best compliment that can be paid to this film is that it feels like an Indiana Jones movie. Unlike the reborn Star Wars movies of the past decade, Crytal Skull fits in with the other Indiana Jones movies pretty well. It recaptures the spirit of the first three movies, nailing the campy action that made those 80s movies so special. It does not seem quite as magical as the others, but much of that may have to do with the special way in which the original movies aged. This film is not without flaws, but it’s hard to argue that it doesn’t fit into the Indiana Jones tradition nicely.

Ryan: One of the biggest questions surrounding the movie was Harrison Ford's age (65) and how that would effect a seemingly age-less hero. By the end of Ford's first scene that question is easily put to bed. Harrison Ford is not the star that he once was but for this movie he delivers a crowd-pleasing performance. Also delivering a noteworthy performance is Ford's sidekick, LaBeouf. I was about ready to say that I'm not sure what it is about LaBeouf that makes him so enjoyable to see on screen but it's really quite simple. He's just a really gifted actor.

Andy: It seemed like Ford’s age was the main topic of discussion leading up to the release of this film. Make no mistake, this is an old Indiana Jones, but he didn’t seem as old as I expected him to. Maybe the fights are a little slower, and the jumping and diving seems a little creakier, but Indiana Jones was always about attitude, and that hasn’t changed. The dry, everyman one liners tossed in around the action sequences are still there, and there is no question that it is still Indiana Jones. As for the next generation of action stars in the movie, I don’t think there could have been a better choice than Shia LaBeouf. He has already shown great versatility and magnetism, and there is no reason to believe he won’t be a silver screen mainstay for decades to come.

Ryan: While Crystal Skulls explodes with the kind of the action and swashbuckling adventure that audiences want from an Indiana Jones movie, there's no question that the biggest obstacle for most moviegoers will be to accept (or not) the film's plot dealing with the mythology of the crystal skulls. I did accept it mainly because it parallels the film's period (the 1950's) and it continues the theme of there being a supernatural element to the artifact that Indy is after. But on-the-other-hand I can see how a supposed alien (or not) element to the story might not sit will with a lot of Indy fans. Depending on how much one accepts that or not will go a long way in determining whether one likes or dislikes the movie.

Andy: Without spoiling any aspects of the film’s conclusion, I will say that I was initially skeptical about the conclusion of the movie (like most of Spielberg’s work over the last twenty years). It just gets a little out of control. But thinking back to the Nazi’s faces melting at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark, I realized that the ends of all of the Indiana Jones movies are a bit ridiculous, and this just falls in line with those. I still feel like it is one of the weaker points of the film, but not enough to spoil the overall effect of the movie.

Indiana Jones’s return to theatres is ultimately a triumphant romp through the jungle, well worth seeing for any fans of the franchise. Final grade: B+.

2008 Presidential Election

I've went ahead and forecasted the November 2008 Presidential Election. Not sure why I felt the need to do this but oh well.

I'm assuming Obama is the democratic nominee. Never smart to make assumptions in politics but at this point he should be the nominee (winning delegates is what it's about). The way I look at it..if Obama does not indeed become the nominee than something screwy happened and I don't even want to think about something like that happening.

I'm theorizing that it's going to be another close election (as of May 24, 2008). This is frustrating but just the reality. I don't think the electorate is as divided as in the past...especially four years ago but the prolonged democratic primary...I think...has hurt Obama in as much as it's going to be quite a challenge to bridge the schism in the democratic party.

With that said...I believe McCain has these states in hand (based on the past several presidential elections)...Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Alaska, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina and West Virginia.

I think Obama has these states...California, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine and Hawaii.

Current electorate count...McCain 174...Obama 187 (270 is needed to win)

These following states will be battleground states. I've put the 2004 winner in parenthesis. Nevada (Bush), Colorado (Bush), New Mexico (Bush), Iowa (Bush), Minnesota (Kerry), Wisconsin (Kerry), Michigan (Kerry), Ohio (Bush), Pennsylvania (Kerry), Virginia (Bush), Florida (Bush), Georgia (Bush), Missouri (Bush), New Hampshire (Kerry).

In states that Bush carried, I believe that McCain will end up winning Nevada, Colorado and Ohio.

In states that Kerry won, I believe that Obama will win Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.

I do believe that Obama can change red states into blue states. I think he will win New Mexico (the Bill Richardson effect), Iowa and Virginia.

Unfortunately McCain will end up carrying Pennsylvania and New Hampshire (they really like him there).

If that all happens than the current count is McCain 233 and Obama 249.

In my estimation it's going to come down to Florida, Georgia and Missouri. Florida has 27 electorates, Georgia has 15 and Missouri has 11.

Basically Obama will win the nomination if he wins all three of those states...but probably more realistic he would either have to carry just Florida or both Georgia and Missouri.

Regrettably, Bush carried all three of those states in 2004 so Obama will have his work cut out for him...but he's more than capable of getting it done.

In the end I see him winning Missouri and Georgia (but losing Florida) for a final tally of Obama--275 to McCain's 260.


Yes We Can!....but it's going to be close.

SI Cover

I never thought I would see Bizarro on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Like he's not already jinxed enough.

Padres--in the Basement

Boy...the Padres stink. Not only are in last place in the NL West but they have the worst record (17-30) in all of baseball. Simply pathetic.

Although they won last night (beating the Cardinals 3-2) I'm convinced that the Padres might trade Maddux...assuming... and I think it's a safe assumption... they start to have a fire-sale.

Now Maddux has a no-trade clause, which isn't surprising considering that well...he's Greg Maddux...and when you've put that much time into the game then you get the perks of a no-trade clause. Word on the street is that he wants to stay in Southern California or at least on the West Coast. I don't see him going to the Giants because they aren't going to be in playoff contention. Maybe the Dodgers again but I'm not sure that GM Kevin Towers is going to want to trade him within the division...plus I don't think Towers likes (or likes dealing with) the Dodgers. Then there's the Angles but I don't see Maddux playing in the American League. As for other West Coast teams...there's Seattle...but again...that's in the AL...plus they stink. Arizona could be a possiblity...although they're in the NL West as well...so I don't know.

Another possibility could be a team that he's played for before. A return trip to the Cubs is possible...and there's been some chatter about that in the Sun-Times. I know Maddux enjoyed playing in Chicago the two other times he's been there so it's definitey a possible scenerio. Plus the Cubs have had some pitching issues with Rich Hill struggling.

But if I was a betting man...I think he might end up back in Atlanta. The Braves have pitching issues...with Smoltz hurt (and headed for the pullben when he comes back) and the allure of reuniting the big three (Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz) for one last go around is appealing. Although Maddux wants to stay out west...I could see him (maybe) ending his career in the ATL where he had the most success of his career.

So if the Padres decide to trade Maddux (with his blessing) it could be Atlanta, it could be Chicago or it could be Arizona. That is assuming that those teams are in the playoff hunt, which I think they all will be. I would love to see him back with the Cubs or even with the Braves. Either option...to me...would be all right.

Indy Fever

Over the past week and weekend, Jenny and I have been gearing up for the release of Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls.


First we've watched all three films. Damn...Raiders of the Lost Ark is just one of the best genre pictures of all time. While Temple of Doom has always been the weakest of the three...it's still a pretty good film and better than I remember. What more can be said about The Last Crusade...just an awesome movie.

Secondly, we've also watched a new documentary on the history channel entitled, Indiana Jones and the Ultimate Quest. Basically a bunch of archaeologists dissect the movies in terms of the objects that Indy was after but also talk about the science of archeology and how it's portrayed in the movies. It was pretty cool seeing real archaeologists talk about the Indiana Jones movies and how most aspects of the movie are to a (small and sometimes large degree) somewhat accurate. It was also intriguing seeing genuine historians talk about the archaeological history and myth surrounding The Ark of the Covenant, the Sankara Stones and the Holy Grail...and also the Crystal Skulls.

All in all my excitement for seeing the movie is growing and growing. This might be the most excited I've been for seeing a movie (that's non-Batman or non-Star Wars or non-James Bond). But anyhow...it should be cool.




On a separate note...congrats to the city of Indianapolis. Nap-town will be hosting the 2012 Super Bowl.

"Prince Caspian" Movie Review

Installment two of C.S. Lewis' classic children's series roared into movie theaters over the weekend. In The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (PG), Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy Pevensie return to Narnia (1300 hundred years after the events of the first movie) to help a young prince reclaim his right to the throne. Andrew Adamson again directs.

Andy: The second in the Narnia series opens with a much darker tone than the first. A violent birth scenes leads the movie off in its Narnia segment, while Peter is engaged in an all out brawl in the underground on the human side. It is an attention getting tone to start the film, and things look promising for the first forty minutes or so. As the film wears on, however, it becomes less and less intriguing, until ultimately you are just kind of waiting for it to end.

Ryan: From a purely visual standpoint Prince Caspian continues the magical world of the Narnia series. From the exotic setting to the talking creatures the movie looks great. C.S. Lewis envisioned a truly imaginary world and the filmmakers have done a superb job in bringing that universe to life. From what I can tell (since I haven't read the book) the movie is a faithful adaptation (in terms of plot); therefore like the book the movie is very accessible to all moviegoers.

Andy: The visuals are generally outstanding, though the use of talking animals still proves problematic to me. I believe it is possible to use talking animals effectively in a movie, but I don’t think this is it. Too often they come across as silly, even when they are not supposed to. And the sword-wielding mouse just seems like Puss-n-Boots from the Shrek series minus the accent. Unfortunately the animal characters seem like cheap gimmicks rather than real characters.

Ryan: Even though Prince Caspian has a visual flair that is enjoyable to see on the big screen, this latest episode falls short compared to the charm of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. My biggest complaint about this particular movie is how dependent it is on action. I realize that this is the summer movie season and action sells but the strongest part of the first movie was how the narrative worked on multiple levels. But for the most part Prince Caspian is a straight-ahead action movie. The movie lacks the substance that made the first film respectable.

Andy: One strength of this series is the level of talent they are able to bring in for supporting roles. The first series had the then relatively unknown James McAvoy as Mr. Tumnus. This time around they were able to tap Peter Dinklage, who always gives a solid performance. Unfortunately, none of the children have developed into particularly stellar actors in the three years since the first film, so much of the acting is middling. Coupled with all of the action (read: violence), Prince Caspian ends up feeling a little forced and average.

Ryan: It also baffles my mind how this movie, like the first one, is rated PG. Make no mistake about it Prince Caspian is a violent movie—in terms that it should have been rated PG-13. What I also find problematic is the level of violence perpetrated by the Pevensie children. Granted in Narnia years they aren't technically still children but nevertheless they are represented as children in the movie. That contradiction is not spelled out in the clearest of fashion. Because the notion is so ambiguous, it becomes disconcerting (and somewhat puzzling) to view several scenes where “kids” are committing some terrible acts of violence (even though it is in defense of what is “right”). Ultimately the repercussions of violence is never handled in any manner in the film.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian starts out with potential, but eventually stumbles to a final grade of C.

It's Official

In a non-scientific study (purely just based on my empirical evidence) the price of gasoline has usurped "the weather" as the number one subject of generic conversation.

It's Saturday morning and I'm sitting here sipping on some coffee...yes since Jenny and I received a coffee maker for a wedding present last year I have turned into a habitual morning coffee drinker. I'm also trying to get over a head cold (probably a sinus infection) that just won't go away. I probably should go to the doctor but I've been overly stubborn about going. We'll see how I feel on Monday.

Here some notable things that I've found on the internet this morning.

--Here is the red band trailer for Tropic Thunder...the trailer isn't funny from start to finish but does have a few laugh out loud moments.

--Speaking of red band trailers...here's a teaser red band trailer for M. Night Shaymalan's The Happening. I know a lot of movie goers were not thrilled with his last effort... The Lady in the Water but I still have high hopes that Shaymalan can deliver. I'm not a big fan of all his work (we all know about The Sixth Sense) but I do respect him as a filmmaker. I watched the end of Signs last night...and that's a damn fine movie.




--New Joker poster can be found here and the third TV spot can be found here.

Sir I gotta go.

Star Wars Geek vs. Sports Geek

My only question...is what if you are both?

Erin Andrews and Blogs

I'll have to concede that I've had a little crush on Erin Andrews for a long time. Ever since she was doing Braves games on TBS...I've been slightly ...intrigued... by her.

I figure that as long as Jenny has her crush on James McAvoy (and Mark Ruffalo and Jason Taylor and Sean Ash)...I'm free to have my little crush on Erin Andrews (and Natalie Portman...and Erica Durance...and Angela Buchman).

But anyway...several sport blogs that I read have more than a crush on Erin Andrews...it might be more of an obsession (although not in a threating manner).

Anyhow...here's a short clip of Erin Andrews discussing this phenomenon with Donny Deutsch.

"Speed Racer" movie review

The Brothers Wachowski recently wheeled out their first post-Matrix directorial effort. The surprisingly family-oriented Speed Racer(PG) stars Emile Hirsch in the title roll. He is supported by an ensemble cast including Susan Sarandon, John Goodman, Christina Ricci, and Mathew Fox.

Ryan: At best I would consider myself a fair-weather Speed Racer fan. Although there was a six-week period sometime in high school where I was really into the cartoon, Im by no means a Speed Racer apologist. But nonetheless--contrary to the negative buzz surrounding this film—I found Speed Racer to be not that bad of a summer flick. Granted Speed Racer has its issues, but overall its an entertaining and eye-catching movie.

Andy: At the very least, Speed Racer is an interesting film. The Wachowski’s are obviously effects fanatics, so transposing a cartoon to live action film seems right up their alley. There are definitely parts of Speed Racer that are well done. Some of the visual experimentation of the film enhances the story and the emotional connection to the characters (young Speed fantasizing about racing in a crayon-drawn car, for example). At other times, however, the effects go into overload and it becomes tedious.

Ryan: Part of the reason that Speed Racer stalled at the box-office is the films tone. As opposed to the vast majority of summer blockbusters, Speed Racer has a PG rating, not a PG-13 rating. Hence it’s aimed at a younger audience. For all intended purposes its a family film. Because of that the movies kid-centric tone alienates the lucrative post-13 (age) audience. Family films can be cash cows as well but a live adaptation of a 1960s era cult cartoon is not going to have a large built-in audience.

Andy: I’m a little surprised that the film didn’t have a better opening weekend than it did. For a large portion of the movie it seems like you are experiencing a video game (specifically, MarioKart) and that seems to be something that would draw a pretty hefty young audience. This video-game world the characters inhabit ultimately makes the movie have a bit of a creepy feel that I don’t think the filmmakers were going for, as it really made it harder to connect to the story or the characters.

Ryan: Speed Racer is one of those films that for every positive there's an adverse negative. The film's look is amazing (honestly The Wachowski Brothers have created an original and vibrant world) but sometimes the CGI effects are overwhelming like with some of the racing sequences. For a movie based on a cartoon the performances are quite respectful but on the same token considering the talent involved one could have hoped for a little more. There's also no doubt that the Wachowski Brothers know how to make a highly energetic stylized film but they also sometimes don't know (how) or when to end a movie. Speed Racer cracks the two hour mark. That's just flat out way to long for a film this amped up.

Andy: There are definitely some good moments, and I did enjoy a perfectly cast John Goodman, who somehow put humanity into a character named “Pops Racer.” In the end, Speed Racer is just a little too much of a sensory overload. As Ryan said, if this had been about 30 minutes shorter it probably would have seemed a lot better.

Speed Racer has moments of clarity, but mostly it is too much movie too fast. Final grade: C+.

Dark Knight TV Spots

Click here and here.

No Spin Zone

Back when Bill was on Inside Edition

(warning...this clip contains some strong language--although it's still funny)

Maddux Get Career Win #350

Last night Greg Maddux became the ninth pitcher in MLB history to record his 350th career win. The Padres beat the Rockies 3-2 last night. Maddux went six innings...giving up one unearned run (ironically on his throwing error). Adrian Gonzalez hit a three run bomb to provide the offense. There was some relief drama with Heath Bell in the eighth and also with Trevor Hoffman in the ninth but they got through it.

All in all it's a remarkable achievement. But also in typical crazy baseball fashion, catcher Luke Carlin for the Padres was making his major league debut. That's gotta be pretty awesome for that kid to catch a game of that magnitude for your major league debut. Maybe he'll join the "elite" list of Maddux's personal catchers (Charlie O'Brien, Eddie Perez, Henry Blanco & Paul Bako).

Hats off to Maddux and the Padres. Maybe this will turn the season around.

Anti-Jimmy Buffett

Last weekend I was at a cookout with some of my college friends. I was drinking some Landshark (no surprise) and they were asking me about it. I said it's pretty good stuff for those that like light beer but the only unfortunate aspect of it is that it's produced by Jimmy Buffett. They were like--what's wrong with that. I politely said that he's a deushbag. Needless to say this was the argument of the night.

My initial argument for why he's a deushbag was that he's nothing more than a brand (with his restaurants & bars, his brewing company & his other business interests) he's nothing more than Wal-Mart...Disney...or McDonald's. All he's doing is selling something. Well this lead to some more bickering and I even conceded that my argument was pretty rushed.

But I've had some time to think about it...and to flesh it out. I stand my original statement that he's just a brand. He just selling Good Times...and while I don't have a problem with somebody selling Good Times. I think one should be aware of this...because behind the Good Times portrayed by Buffett...there's nothing there...there's no integrity to the music or to the music being produced. Yes Buffett does actually live the life that he portrays (and that lends some credibility to his music) but he's free to live that life because he's made millions upon millions from selling that persona.

I've been listening to some of his music and it's unbearable...you want to know why its unbearable...because I'm not drunk or stoned while I'm listening to it. That's one of my points. Nobody listens to his music while they are sober. People only listen to it--mainly as background music--while they are drinking alcohol. My second point is that his concerts would cease to exist if one could not drink or smoke up while at the show. I find this extremely problematic when one can only enjoy someone's music while under the influence of alcohol or some other substance.

That rationale is why I have such a problem with Buffett. There's no substance in the music or behind the music. I'm not suggesting that everybody has to like music with substance...because I do like fluffy music at times. But the reverence that some people have with Buffett...I find just hard to grasp. If I went to one of his concerts with some of my buddies and we were having a some drinks...I'm sure I would have a good time. But I would be aware that that's all it is. The music is secondary to the partying. I just think the music should come first...that the music is why you there...and why you like the artist....that's what it's about.

Get Out and Vote. . .

. . . Unless you are voting for Hillary Clinton...just kidding...but not really.



Last night I went to the Obama rally in downtown Indy (thanks to Smitty) and it was a truly memorable experience. Stevie Wonder jammed a few songs and Obama gave a 30+ minute speech that got me even more fired up (in a positive way). I just hope that Indiana and North Carolina can finally put an end to this epic battle.



That's all I have time for...just remember...vote hope not fear.

"Iron Man" movie review

The summer movie season blasts off with the Marvel superhero film, Iron Man (PG-13). Robert Downey Jr. stars as Tony Stark, a wealthy weapons industrialist/scientist. While in Afghanistan to promote his products, Stark is kidnapped by terrorists but escapes after building a suit of armor. Upon arriving back in the States, Stark decides to use his talent (and new armor) to battle injustice. Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard and Jeff Bridges co-star in the film. Jon Favreau directs.

Andy: I went into Iron Man with uncharacteristically low expectations. So many Marvel comics have been made into bad movies that I didn’t have any reason to believe this one would be different. The ads for the movie only reinforced this idea. The forty-five seconds of Iron Man flying in the trailer, plus the so-obvious-it-shouldn’t-be-used “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath just made it seem like this movie was going to lack creativity. While not groundbreaking in any way, Iron Man does exceed my expectations on just about every level.

Ryan: This might not be saying much at first considering how lackluster (X-Men 3 & Spiderman 3) and how bad (Fantastic Four 2 & Ghost Rider) some recent Marvel films have been but Iron Man bucks that trend in a big way. Iron Man is a highly enjoyable and entertaining film. Arguably it's right up there with Marvel's best work (Spiderman 2 & X-Men 2). There's no question about it; Iron Man starts the summer movie season off in the right direction.

Andy: A good deal of what Iran Man has going for it is the cast that Favreau was able to assemble. Terrence Howard and Gwyneth Paltrow both do a nice job in unconventional roles for them. Jeff Bridges was a little distracting as the villain, but he lends more recognizabality to the cast, which is always important in a summer blockbuster. But make no mistake about it; the star here is Downey Jr. Without his performance, there is no Iron Man. I feel like he is one of the better choices of the last twenty years to play a superhero alter ego.

Ryan: Much of Iron Man's success lies with the performance of Downey. Admittingly when he was cast as Iron Man the internet was abuzz with a lot of head-scratching. He is definitely not the prototypical superhero leading man. But more-often-than-not decisions like that have a way of working out (think Michael Keaton or Tobey Maguire). There's no debate that Downey's performance elevates a B level hero to elite status. He nails the arrogant and too confident and then too heroic nature of Tony Stark/Iron Man.

Andy: Once you get past Downey Jr.’s performance, there are some problems with Iron man. Howard and Paltrow’s characters aren’t developed enough for their skill set even though they do an adequate job. The movie also feels a little long, and coming it at just over two hours, it probably could have been a little tighter. I was pleased to note that we were not subjected to a twenty-minute fight sequence that I’m sure we’ll have to deal with in movies later in the summer (I’m looking at you, Hulk!).

Ryan: What also is in Iron Man's favor is Favreau's direction. Favreau has directed only a few films, and even though Elf was a solid holiday comedy, there was nothing in his resume that hinted that he could deliver a well-rounded and relevant summer blockbuster. Incorporating Afghan terrorists into a superhero movie is a challenging proportion. But Favreau pulls it off in such a straightforward fashion that one just accepts it as part of the story. Really, my only complaint with the movie is that the climax is not quite as exciting as it could have been. Other than that Iron Man is solid summer film.

Iron Man is a pleasant start to the summer movie season. Final grade: B+.

The Cyrstal Skull and The Dark Knight

The new The Dark Night Trailer can be found here.


And the new Indiana Jones trailer can be found here.


Enjoy.

Rosenbaum......Out.

This isn't coming as much as a surprise since he was never signed on to a season 8 but Michael Rosenbaum is leaving Smallville after this season.

Here's his letter to me...I mean his fans.

Dear Smallville Fans,

Well, it's been seven wonderful years. Your support is what has made Smallville so successful, and I appreciate you all more than you know.

That being said, it is time for me to start the next chapter of my life and career. I hope that I gave you some enjoyment over the years, and that you found my portrayal of Lex Luthor to be satisfying. I am truly grateful, as Smallville fans are the best fans out there. I sincerely hope that you will continue to follow my career through my hair growth period and beyond.

I'm very excited about what the future holds, but certainly, Smallville will always be a part of me. I will definitely miss the greatest crew in the world, and the wonderful cast that has been like a family to me.

Thank you Al and Miles for creating the show. Thank you writers, producers, directors and editors. Thanks Tollin, Robbins and Davola for being there for the pilot. Thank you Peter Roth for employing me for ten years. Lisa Lewis, I miss you already. John Glover, thanks for helping me feel more comfortable touching other actors, while acting. Bizarre, but helpful.

Mostly, I want to thank Greg Beeman for directing the "Oh Sherry" video, by Steve Perry, back in the 80's.

Thanks crew. Thanks fans. Thanks Smallville.

I love you all,

Michael Rosenbaum

Needless to say, Rosenbaum leaving the show is a pretty big deal (and not just with me being slightly obsessed with the Rosenbaum persona). His portrayal of Lex Luthor was one of the highlights of the show and the Clark-Lex narrative is what drove the show. Obviously with Rosenbaum out of the mix and with the creators of the show (Al Gough and Milies Millar) also departing I'm not sure about Smallville season 8 (in terms of how that is going to work). This past season certainty hasn't been what the show used to be...although it's still pretty solid and one of my favorite shows (honestly last night' episode was pretty darn good). I would say I don't see the show going past season 8 but I'm pretty sure that I've said the last couple of years. To be honest I can't even fathom that there will be a season 8. That's quite remarkable...really for any TV show.

Bottom line...as long as they keep cranking out new episodes of Smallville...I'm going to be watching like the good little fan boy that I am.