Sony Pictures Animation | USA | 90 mins

I’ve been taught over the years to not expect much from animated films that don’t have the Pixar stamp on them. One after another they are made specifically for mass commercial appeal, and one after another they completely miss the mark and are brutally compared to Pixar classics. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs easily and confidently makes the statement that although Pixar may be the prettiest girl at prom — They’re here to compete.

Modeled after the 1978 book by Jodi Barrett, Sony Pictures Animation builds a Hollywood quality back-story to the thin storyline of the children’s book and pushes it out, just like all the cool kids do it, in 3-D. Read the full story

Not sure what is coming out this month? Here is my rundown of my most anticipated films coming out:

10. Fast & Furious (Lin, April 3rd)

Plot: As he is released from prison, Brian O’Conner teams up with Dominic Toretto work with the feds to bring down a heroin importer by infiltrating his operation.

Trailer

Why You Should See It: I’m actually not sure if this is a film to watch or avoid. The first one was enjoyable and it looks like a return to the original. I’ve heard early buzz that it is a decent popcorn flick.

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By Dan Mecca

If honesty is the best quality, Adventureland is the gem of the cinematic year so far. Written and directed by Greg Mottola (the guy who directed Superbad) this dramedy is a throwback in every way – from the setting of the film (summer 1987) to the laid-back comic delivery. There’s barely anything that can be defined as a joke in this thing.

For the most part, all the movie’s laughs are natural and observatory rather than fed and forced. This is not to say that the latter doesn’t work – see I Love You, Man for proof of this, a film that feeds jokes consistently with a natural rhythm that does not overwhelm.

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Not sure what is coming out this month? Here is a run-down of my eleven most anticipated films:

11. The Great Buck Howard (March 20th) (limited)

Plot: A law school dropout (Colin Hanks), much to the chagrin of his father (Tom Hanks), becomes the new assistant to an illusionist in decline (Malkovich). Can the fledgling partnership lead to the comeback of a lifetime?

Trailer

Why You Should See It: Pretty impressive cast and a somewhat interesting premise, this is should be a decent indie comedy/drama.

Check out the rest here >>

Miramax has debuted the Adventureland Red Band Trailer on IGN. The comedy is written and directed by Greg Mottola (Superbad) and stars Jessie Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Bill Hader, and Ryan Reynolds. Check it out below:

Plot: A comedy set in the summer of 1987 and centered around a recent college grad (Eisenberg) who takes a nowhere job at his local amusement park, only to find it’s the perfect course to get him prepared for the real world.

I loved Superbad and Adventureland is looking to be just as good. The film got pretty positive reviews at Sundance. It will also be at the South by Southwest Film Festival in March before hitting theaters in wide release on March 27, 2009.

What do you think of the red band trailer for Adventureland?

Today we have a new poster for Shawn Levy’s sequel to Night at the Museum. Check it out below:

I thought the trailer was surprisingly funny. Check it out below via TrailerAddict:

The original Night at the Museum was enjoyable. The addition of Amy Adams, Bill Hader, Jonah Hill, Steve Coogan, Hank Azaria, and Christopher Guest should prove to be a fun summer flick when it goes up against Terminator Salvation on May 22nd, 2009.

Do you want to see Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian?

UPDATE: The list below was written in January of 2009. I suggest checking out our new list, 65 Must See Movies of 2010. Click the image below to see:

So 2008 is over, come on, it’s time to move on. Here are 50 great reasons to go to the theater this year:

January

My Bloody Valentine 3-D (Jan 16^th)

Synopsis: After surviving a fatal accident that claimed the lives of five of men in a mine shaft, Harry Warden performed a horrific killing spree on Valentines night in the town of Harmony, killing 22 people before he was shot to death.

Why You Should See It: Early screening reports have said there is more sex, limbs, and buckets of blood than one can handle. The 3-D gimmick is the only reason this is on my list. If implemented right it should be a great time at the movies.

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