Movie Thursday

Slumdog Millionaire
Release Date: In theatres
Fan Buzz: Great
Critic Reviews: Outstanding

WKFTB Opinion: A movie about an Indian man one question away from winning his country’s version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Sweet. This was released forever ago, but it’s still doing strong at the box office, despite being shown in 2, 500 less sites than Paul Blart. Going toe-to-toe with Benjamin Button for Best Picture. And to be honest, with the buzz it has been generating lately, this might take it.



Taken
Release Date: Friday
Fan Buzz: Mixed
Critic Reviews: 50/50
WKFTB Opinion: We love Liam Neeson. And how couldn’t you? He’s pretty much the man. This movie looks pretty badass, but at the same time it definitely has potential to be unbelievable corny and predicable. The trailer is reminiscent of pseudo-thrillers like Cellular and The Interpreter, both of which saccccked. Proceed with caution.



Push
Release Date: Feb. 6
Fan Buzz: So-so

Critic Reviews: None yet
WKFTB Opinion: Dakota Fanning was on Leno last night. Looks nothing like I picture her. Can’t believe she’s been around forever and she’s only 15. Some of the previews on TV look just awful. But this short little one below makes it look dece. On the fence about this one. Probably would see it with movie cash or something.



X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Release Date: May 1
Fan Buzz: Pumped
Critic Reviews: Too early
WKFTB Opinion: Oh man, pumped for this one. X-Men movies always kick ass and especially blow the doors off on the big screen. Wolverine snared the first ‘Origins” because A) he’s obviously the illest character and B) the producers love Hugh Jackman in that role. He is Wolverine.



Pop Culture Tidbits:

-Remember Wolfie posting the video with Joaquin Phoenix rapping? Wow. I thought it was a joke. Nope – not one bit. Guy is dead real with it…well, we think. He claims he is going into rap and that Diddy is producing his album (although Diddy hasn’t confirmed) and some people are wondering if he’s just joking around or if the once-alcoholic has fallen off the wagon again. Casey Affleck is apparently filming everything Phoenix is doing for a possible documentary. I guess everyone at this Vegas show below had zero clue what he was saying/doing at this performance. Video below:



-50 Cent says that Nic Cage will start with him in the first movie 50 produces.

-George Clooney will make a secret appearance in one of the last ER episodes ever this spring. Clooney, of course, starred on the show in the early stages of its 15-year run on air.

-Jennifer Hudson’s singing of the National Anthem at the Super Bowl this Sunday will be her first performance since her mother, brother and nephew were unmercifully murdered in Chicago. I’m rooting for her.

--Nick