NEIL'S SUMMER 2008 MOVIE WRAP-UP, PART II

Part II: The Bad Stuff and the Unique Stuff, and the Wrap-Up’s Wrap-Up

Part I took us up to August. So, “Pineapple Express” was really funny, and “Tropic Thunder” has been at the top for a few weeks and was the only other significant release in August. So you can see that the summer blockbusters were done early this year.

As many great films as there were this summer, conversely, some mediocre and even some epically craptastic ones came out, too.

“Speed Racer“
Wow, talk about the bomb of bombs. So much hype and expectation, so little payoff.

“Indiana Jones 4”
Ok, I realize mixed feelings do exist here, but my personal reaction was quite pure. No sir, I did not like it. I expect more from this franchise, and I sure didn’t get what I’d hoped for. But Graham liked it. Poor Graham. And Randy has some fun Indy Facts.

“You Don’t Mess With the Zohan”
And you don’t bother seeing another Adam Sandler comedy, either.

“The Happening”
As Chris Mancini says, M. Night should just stop punching his audiences in the face. Can we be done with him, now? Graham concurs. Good Graham.

“Get Smart”
Not an offense to the TV show, it was kinda funny but not nearly as, well, smart.

“The Love Guru”
Mike Myers tries an Indian version of the Austin Powers character, and no one cares.

“Wanted”
Super stylish and some interesting action, but throw everything you know about physics out the window. Disbelief? Suspend it or be angry.

“Meet Dave”
I’m sorry, did anyone even notice this movie being released? Epic Fail.

“X-Files” sequel
Wow. Marginally entertaining, had it been an episode of the show… but really, THIS is what you’re leaving fans with? Pretty lame movie, man. Not cool, Chris Carter, NOT cool. Dean Haglund the Lone Gunman’s review is in the title, mine is here.

“The Mummy 3”
Other than the helpful yetis, this was an exercise in pointless.

“The Clone Wars”
Well, if you like your animation old school, like 1986-video-game old school, then this movie is for you. If you like your Star Wars Universe to continue to be raped, then sure, go ahead and see it.

Finally, I’d like to make note of a couple of honorable mentions from this summer. These are films that most people missed but I think are worth checking out. Both “The Strangers” and “The Fall” were better than I expected and offered us viewing experiences you couldn’t find in the other summer movies. In fact, they offered things most films don’t, in general: something unique and unexpected.

Yeah, it was a varied summer for movies; but, all in all, I’d say it was one of the best in recent memory. For once, in a long time, Hollywood did a lot right. Of course, now they’ve raised the bar for next year. How are they going to do better than “The Dark Knight”? Yeah, they just won’t. The best we can hope for is that they don’t make us angry.

~ Neil Weakley, your surprisingly pleased movie goer.