Looks like the new trailer for this summer's "The Dark Knight" is debuting today @ 3pm ET. How do we know this? Because of the message we found on the latest site in Warner Bros.' viral web campaign plugging the Bat-sequel.

Check it out: http://clowntravelagency.com/.

Today IS April Fool's Day so this could just be a prank. But I'll be checking @ 3pm just the same.

Well, sort of. Sony's begun promoting Smith's upcoming summer action comedy "Hancock" with a viral website that pretends to be an official site run by Hancock himself. Pretty clever stuff, actually. Check it out here.

These viral marketing campaigns seem to be gaining serious traction in Hollywood as an effective way to reach potential audiences. BTW, Smith's co-star (and love interest I imagine) is Oscar winner Charlize Theron, who told Jeffrey during a recent visit that the film is going to blow people's minds. "Hancock" opens July 2nd, which is perfect timing since Will Smith is Hollywood's Mr. Fourth of July!

Our special friends over at Warner Bros. recently sent us the new 3D 'Speed Racer' poster. Check it out, let us know what you think!

Here's the picture, drag your mouse over it to see the effect.

I love a good documentary, but right now it seems that the market is flooded. I think it’s because many filmmakers are shooting on video and it has become relatively cheap to put something out there.

But what this results in is a diluted product pool. Any one can find an interesting subject and turn the camera on. But does that mean the subject merits 90 minutes of our time?
Recently I’ve seen two documentaries that have seemed to be a better fit for a television program such as “20/20” or “Dateline”.

“Fighting for Life” is about doctors in the army who are trained in battle surgery. Interesting, sure. But after about an hour the film had made its point and then watching soldiers being rehabilitated turned into a promotional video for the rehab facility.

“Hats Off” is about an eccentric, vivacious 93 year old actress who lives in NY and still goes on auditions. You might recognize her from “Sex and the City” (Stanford’s grandmother) or “Hitch” (old lady at wedding). She has a Katherine Hepburn look about her and an indefatigable attitude. But after about 40 minutes of her life story, I started to feel that I was flipping through someone else’s family album.

Some subjects just shouldn’t be stretched to fit the 90 minute formula, or we should get used to seeing ‘shorts’ and not feel like we’re being short-changed.

Recently one of our viewers wrote in to complain that Jeffrey and I had failed to mention certain things in our review of “Horton Hears A Who!” He took his pre-school kids to see it, and was alarmed that the kangaroo fomented mob mentality and chased after Horton who is insisting that another world exists inside the speck on his flower. This viewer left the theatre with his children as he didn’t want them privy to a bigot.

First of all, I apologize that Jeffrey and I did not address Carol Burnett’s Kangaroo in detail. Time does not allow us to talk about every aspect of each film we review.

Secondly, I would like to defend 20th Century Fox’s decision to portray a bigot on screen in an animated children’s film. The politics of witch-hunting may be above the comprehension of young children, but basic concepts of good and evil are not. Every Disney animated film since “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves” has had a vivid, and terrifying character of evil incarnate; wicked witches, puppy purveyors, cat-nappers, villainous octopi. I was scared stiff by the evil queen who poisons Snow White, but did it scar me for life? No. If all our films were only about goodly, kind characters, it would be a sorry and boring bunch indeed.

In fact, I found “Horton” to be a perfect blend of kiddie and adult humor with some juicy existential themes thrown in for anyone who wanted to delve into the subtext of Dr. Seuss. When the mayor of Whoville hears that celestial voice and asks the residents of Whoville to trust him and believe, isn’t that a metaphor for believing in an invisible higher power? And when Horton realizes that our world is perhaps not the only world in existence, isn’t that analogous to scientists insisting on other worlds in galaxies outside our own? And the kangaroo’s attack on Horton for his ‘heretical’ ideas, reminded me of the catholic church’s damnation and arrest of Galileo who had the audacity to suggest that the earth was not the centre of the universe.

I applaud 20th Century Fox for making a film that can entertain on several levels and welcome the dialogue that such a film could provoke with inquisitive children.

The Vegas drama "21" was an easy winner at the box office this weekend, earning a surprising $23.7 million. Looks like all the publicity the cast did (including star Jim Sturgess' appearance on this weekend's RT) and the escapist-fantasy appeal of 'beating the house' was a sure bet. Here's Jeffrey & Alison's review of "21." The rest of the box-office recap comes after the jump.

In second place was "Horton Hears A Who!" with $17.6M. The G-rated animated tale is now the first big hit of 2008 with more than $117M. Third place went to "The Superhero Movie," which debuted with a disappointing $9.5M total. Hopefully that low figure will force Hollywood to put a moratorium on the 'Spoof' genre. When the parody is lamer than the subject matter they're spoofing, shouldn't that tell the studios something's wrong?

Coming in fourth was "Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns" with $7.9M, showing Mr. Perry is as reliable as it gets in the movie biz when it comes to delivering audiences. Fifth place is almost too close to call, with "Drillbit Taylor" and "Shutter" -- two holdovers from last week -- duking it out.

The other new films this weekend flopped. "Stop-Loss" couldn't turn positive reviews into profit as it made only $4.5M on less than 1,500 screens to barely crack the Top 10. So not even a young, attractive and talented cast in a good movie can lure audiences to see an Iraq War film. That likely means Hollywood is done greenlighting projects that have anything to do with the war.

"Run Fatboy Run" from debuting director David Schwimmer didn't do well either. It earned only $2.3M on less than 1,200 screens

Next week should be interesting, with George Clooney starring and directing in the 1920's football comedy "Leatherheads" and Jodie Foster, Gerard Butler and Abigail Breslin starring in "Nims Island."

Our tireless hosts see so many films, there's no way we can fit all of them into the show. But since we exist to serve you, the moviegoing public, we're going to start offering movie reviews available EXCLUSIVELY here at reeltalktv.com. Here's Alison & Jeffrey's review of the new indie "Irina Palm" starring rock great Marianne Faithful, which is opening this weekend in limited release:

With two young children, I rarely (make that never) get the chance to see live music these days. But I have been listening to some early Stones recently, “Flowers”, “Some Girls” and “Let it Bleed” in the hopes that my children grow up to like the music of bygone generations.

Last night I saw Martin Scorsese’s concert film/documentary “Shine A Light” about the Rolling Stones and I am now walking on air. What a rush! First of all, Scorsese manages to capture the exuberance and joy that these four sexagenarians obviously still feel each time they step on stage. They were performing in a small venue, the beacon theatre in Manhattan, and I only wish I had been there to experience it live. But the film is the next best thing, and Scorsese skillfully weaves some old archival footage of interviews with the younger stones into the mix.

It’s startling to see how they have aged, they all look like leathered cadavers from the “Bodies” exhibit, but thank heavens they haven’t quit because then we’d be deprived of their ongoing genius.

The film kicks off with “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Shattered” and includes old gems such as “As Tears Go By” and “Some Girls.” Mick Jagger, with the smallest bum known to mankind, anchors the show. He has more energy than a 20 year old -- leaping and wiggling around the stage like a manic, whirling dervish. He’s offstage for two songs, and Scorsese wisely intercuts some old footage with the numbers Keith Richards performs. Not that Richards was bad. Far from it. In fact, I was shocked at how good his voice sounded. Guest performers were Jack White, Christina Aguilera and blues player uddy Guy. Guy as absolutely astounding and joined Jagger in a song called “Champagne and Reefer.” He blew me away.

The encore included “Brown Sugar” at which point I wanted to get out of my seat and leap around with Mick. I hope they keep going for a good few many more years so I get the chance to see them live. Meanwhile, it’s time to get real, my oldest, Agatha, has put the Laurie Berkner band in the CD player, I guess it will be a while until she appreciates the finer things in life!

Jim Sturgess, one of our guests on this weekend's RT, stars in the new film "21." After hitting all the right notes in Julie Taymor's Beatle-icious musical "Across the Universe," this movie could be the one that makes him a bonafide leading man.

He talked to Jeffrey about keeping his head on straight ...and reading his own press!

Entertainment Weekly has a great advance look at this summer's "Speed Racer," including exclusive pix from the film. It probably helps that EW and Warner Bros. -- the studio behind the movie -- are in the Time-Warner corporate family.

Two things the article doesn't have: Plot details or quotes from the picture's notoriously-reclusive directors, the Wachowski brothers.

Check it out here.

Check out the first images released from the upcoming "G.I. Joe" movie. That's Ray Park (Darth Maul from the "Star Wars" prequel and Toad from "X-Men") as the silent soldier Snake Eyes. As a big fan of the old Joe toys, cartoon and Marvel comic book series, all I can say is -- so far, so good.

Check out another image after the jump.

Snake Eyes looks like, well, like Snake Eyes. If director Stephen Sommers can overcome his usual habit of camp-ifying an interesting concept (see his past works "The Mummy" and "Van Helsing"), then this could live up to the high expectations created by last year's toy-based blockbuster "Transformers." That one worked because the material was taken seriously (albeit with a fun attitude). With Sommers, I can't help but worry he'll have Snake Eyes talk, or that he'll give us the buffoonish Cobra Commander from the cartoon, instead of the always-one-step-ahead Mad Genius from the comic book series.

And while I have questions about the director, the casting dept. appears to be hitting bullseyes across the board. Dennis Quaid as Hawk, Channing Tatum as Duke, Sienna Miller as the Baroness and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Cobra Commander?!? OK, Marlon Wayans as Ripcord I have serious problems with (as I've posted about before) but overall, I'm encouraged by the roll call. Check out this USA Today article for more about the Joe film.

"G.I. Joe: The Movie" arrives in theaters Summer 2009.

Like many Stephen King novels-turned-movies, “The Mist” flopped at the box office. Unlike most adaptations of King’s work, Frank Darabont’s chilling tale had generally positive reviews.

Alison had high praise for the movie when we reviewed it on RT last November.

Here are some clips from the movie, which is now out on DVD. Check ‘em out and see if you’re up for a trip through “The Mist.”

Whenever people talk about the top directors, the likes of Spielberg, Scorsese, Ridley Scott, Michael Mann, Clint Eastwood, Spike Lee, Michael Bay (just kidding!) and Ron Howard usually come up. Guillermo Del Toro, P.T. Anderson and Steven Soderbergh get props from the indie film set.

But you know who almost never gets included in that discussion? Edward Zwick. This is the guy who directed great films like “Glory,” “Blood Diamond” and the vastly-underappreciated “The Last Samurai.” Each film had an ambitious story, epic battle scenes, exquisite period details and Oscar-nominated performances. Yet he seems to always be overlooked when it comes time to talk about the top filmmakers.

So what’s Zwick working on next? A story based on the true story of 3 Russian brothers who, during WWII, outsmarted the Nazis and helped save the lives of thousands of Jews. Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell star in “Defiance,” which is based on the same-name book by Nechama Tec.

“Defiance” arrives in theaters in December.

It was on this date in 1973 that Marlon Brando refused his Oscar for Best Actor in "The Godfather" as a gesture for the Native Americans at Wounded Knee. It turned out that the woman who spoke for him, one "Sacheen Littlefeather" spoke on Brando's behalf.

" Marlon Brando... has asked me to tell you, in a very long speech which I cannot share with you presently — because of time — but I will be glad to share with the press afterward, that he must... very regretfully cannot accept this very generous award.

And the reason for this being... are the treatment of American Indians today by the film industry… excuse me…and on television in movie re-runs, and also the recent happenings at Wounded Knee. I beg at this time that I have not intruded upon this evening and that we will, in the future… our hearts and our understanding will meet with love and generosity. Thank you on behalf of Marlon Brando.

Littlefeather, an actress named Maria Cruz and who three years before had been named: "Miss American Vampire", was remembered by history as a fraud who demeaned Native Americans and the Oscars by her showy gesture.

By that time, Brando had become a caricature of himself, often badmouthing his movies after he'd been paid. He had much sadness in his life, outliving his troubled daughter Cheyenne and his son Christian served prison time for manslaughter. It was a strange night at the Oscars on this date in 1973.

I just watched this Oscar winning thriller for the second time. I enjoyed it as much the second go around, but took different things away from it.

I realized it wasn’t really about the drugs, the money, the killer, but about a changing world. I also laughed more than I did the first time. Tommy Lee Jones had some of the best lines, but delivered with such throwaway deadpanning I must have missed the first time.

I still maintain that Javier Bardem got lucky to win that Oscar. Sure, he made a chilling killer. But best supporting actor turn?? I don’t think so. He was so taciturn that all he had to do was deliver a few lines and look menacing the rest of the time. The haircut helped too. But it made me realized that Tom Wilkinson from “Michael Clayton” and Phillip Seymour Hoffman from “Charlie Wilson’s war” gave astounding performances for roles that seemed to me to be much more challenging and demanding.

The death of Richard Widmark on Wednesday at 93 marked the passing of one of the last great postwar movie stars. Only a few remain -- living treasures like Kirk Douglas, Maureen O'Hara, Eli Wallach, Ernest Borgnine, Karl Malden and not many more.

Widmark was amazing; he could convince you he was a cowboy, a sailor or a more conventional type, too. A native of Sunrise, Minnesota, he came to NY in 1938 when radio dramas were at their height; it was the year, after all, that Orson Welles, spooked America with his "war of the worlds" broadcast and scores of radio dramas were the country's main entertainment between movies.

The young actor found work in that medium and on Broadway. He was billed 17th in something called "Kiss and Tell" at the Biltmore Theatre, which is still in use. On march 17, 1943. He was ‘Lieutenant Lenny Archer’ and luckily for him “Kiss and Tell” ran 956 performances. His next job was in November, 1944 when this reporter was just 18 days old, by the way, in a show called "Get Away Old Man" which featured future character star Ed Begley, who would be one of the movies' "12 Angry Men" 13 years later. But it only ran 13 performances and is otherwise forgotten today.

On to three other shows, "Trio, "Kiss Them For Me" and " Dunnigan's Daughter," before his movie career began. It was "Kiss Of Death," his 1947 screen debut, which provided him with his most famous character, the killer with a trademark chilling laugh as he pushed a wheelchair-bound elderly lady down a flight of stairs to her death. He earned an Oscar nomination that year.

Some of his other memorable movies were "Panic In The Street,” “No Way Out," "The Hall of Montezuma," “The Frogmen," “Destination Gobi," "Saint Joan" (miscast, alas, as the dauphin for director Otto Preminger), "Two Rode Together" and "Judgement at Nuremberg" as a prosecutor of Nazi war criminals. I loved his work in "How the West Was Won" in 1963 as a gruff railroad boss, determined to lay track for the transcontinental railroad at a furious pace -- even if it meant encroaching on sacred Indian land. Other films included "Murder On The Orient Express," "Twilight's Last Gleaming," two “National Lampoon Movies," the otherwise-unbearable "The Alamo" for director and costar John Wayne (Widmark played Jim Bowie), and a superb cold war drama called "The Bedford Incident" with Sidney Poitier. He was also, for a few years, the father-in-law of baseball hall-of-famer Sandy Koufax.

Richard Widmark was one of the most dependable and durable Hollywood stars of a bygone era has died.

A huge hit at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, “Son of Rambow” sparked a bidding war and a lawsuit or two on its way to its theatrical debut. Due to arrive in theaters on May 2nd, the movie is set in Britain during the 80s, Two kids being raised in a hyper-religious community become obsessed with Rambo after watching a bootlegged version of “First Blood” and decide to make their own action pic.

Check out the trailer:

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, former partners on “Saturday Night Live’s” 'Weekend Update’ …now aim to deliver laughs in theaters with Universal’s upcoming comedy “Baby Mama.”

Fey plays a working woman who’s ticking biological clock gives her slim odds of having a baby, so she hires a girl from South Philly (Poehler) to be her surrogate. The two polar opposites struggle to find a balance with a baby on the way and …well, imagine the comic possibilities.

Watch the trailer after the jump.

“Baby Mama” opens April 25th. It will also be the Opening Film at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, something we’ll be covering in-depth here at REELTALKtv.com and on the show.

Just saw Kimberly Peirce’s new film “Stop-Loss,” about the army’s abuse of the stop-loss clause in servicemen’s contracts. Seems that in times of war, a soldier can be sent back into action after they have served their tour of duty, even against their wishes. The film rightly points out that Bush himself declared the war over -- so this is an abuse of rights.

Could this be the first film about Iraq that might appeal to a movie-going audience? It’s filled with young appealing actors (Ryan Phillippe, Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Abbie Cornish) who capture the intensity and immediacy of war and its aftermath. Phillippe follows up solid performances in “Flags Of Our Fathers” and “Breach” and is searingly intense.

Peirce also fills the soundtrack with pounding heavy metal music, or angry rap during the combat scenes, music that our young servicemen might actually listen to. And even though it revisits some of the same themes as “In The Valley Of Elah”, “Stop-Loss” is seen through the eyes of the young soldiers -- not the fathers or wives at home.

Films like this need to make money, otherwise studios won’t make more, and I think “Stop-Loss” is a film that needs to be seen.

Jeffrey and I discuss the film in detail on this week's episode of RT.

It doesn't open for nearly five months, but Ben Stiller's "Tropic Thunder" is already stirring the media pot. the action-comedy Hollywood satire -- about several egocentric actors out to make an 'Apocalypse Now'-type war movie -- stars Stiller (who also directed/wrote and produced), Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr.

The latter is playing a white actor portraying a black character and the role's already causing controversy.

"Tropic Thunder" opens August 15th. Check out the trailer:

Videos are huge in the entertainment world. Sites like Vimeo, blip.tv and YouTube have really launched the peer generated video format. On a related note, these videos (viral videos) have helped launched publicity for many films, including this year’s Cloverfield(which was AWESOME btw—can’t wait until the sequel!). Below are a few upcoming viral campaigns, cool video sites and tips you should know about, and all things in between.

"The Dark Knight" Viral Campaign
(Reported in an earlier post by Mike Avila)

I Believe in Harvey Dent
The Dark Knight Movie Chronicles
The Gotham Times
The Ha Ha Times
We Are the Answer
Gotham National Bank
Remembering Gina
Gotham Police
Gotham City Rail [Slashfilm]

“Forgetting Sarah Marshall” Viral Campaign
This campaign is all over the place – literally. You can’t walk without seeing some type of ad or gimmick. But check out the viral sites – it’s a nice try in the right direction. [FirstShowing]

I Hate Sarah Marshall
Sarah Marshall Fan
Infant Sorrow

So now you're interested in the viral video movement. Say, perhaps, you've succumbed to "Cloverfield's" campaign and plan to buy the DVD when it's released April 22. Once you get said DVD, you might want to back it up. I mean, it IS part of cinematic history! Check out Lifehacker's suggestion on how to back up your disk collection. [Lifehacker]

Make your own viral video with Animoto Animoto uses 'cinematic A.I. technology' that thinks like an actual director and editor. It analyzes and combines your uploaded photos, images and music into one fluid, professional-like video. They also offer a huge lexicon of music to select from. [SXSW]

New on DVD:
· Bonnie & Clyde
· The Mist
· The Kite Runner
· Control






Opening this weekend:

Here's the latest trailer for the adaptation of the mega-hit Broadway musical "Mamma Mia!" starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth. I have to admit I'm really looking forward to this -- I loved the Broadway show for what it was -- the musical equivalent of comfort food. Not very good for you but quite tasty! And how can anyone NOT be interested in seeing Meryl Streep sing???

"Mamma Mia!" opens July 18.

A decade as part of the classic TV hit "Friends" apparently was more than enough onscreen work for David Schwimmer. Aside from the occasional guest-starring role on shows like "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "30 Rock," Schwimmer told Alison during a recent interview he's focused on behind-the-scenes work, like his feature directorial debut "Run Fatboy Run," which opens March 28.

Here's part of the interview. You can hear more on this week's RT:

Wong Kar Wai's first English language film is filled with his trademark touches: cameras lurk behind columns, peer through windows, and capture reflections in mirrored walls. Neon signs blur in background. Slow motion captures action scenes. Voice over mixes with a lazily seductive score.

The story is a simple love affair, but the biggest revelation to me was Natalie Portman. She does her best work of late here, as a Southern gambler who befriends Norah Jones' character. After disliking her performance in "The Other Boleyn Girl" and "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium” it was a welcome treat to see her looking like an adult rather than a child and playing a complex, interesting character.

This past week, the world lost one of the great actors of his generation -- Oscar winner Paul Scofield, who died at 86.

Though primarily a stage actor, he won his Academy Award for best actor for "A Man For All Seasons." But unlike some Oscar winners, he didn't eschew his stage career for the more lucrative world of movies, preferring to return to the stage and make only occasional screen appearances.

He'd performed "A Man For All Seasons" in London's West End for nearly a year, and then on Broadway, winning a Tony award in 1961. You can see his craft in "A Delicate Balance" and "Henry V"; not in the title role but as the king of France.

He had a small role in "Quiz Show" under Robert Redford's direction as the Pulitzer Prize winning poet and critic Mark Van Doren, father of quiz show cheat Charles Van Doren, who'd been fed the answers beforehand.

Scofield didn't seek adulation; it came to him. His turn as Hamlet came in 1955, under the direction of the great stage director Peter Brook. Schofield was one of those larger-than-life actors, and I only wish he'd made more movies so future generations could've seen the wide range of his craft.

David Schwimmer, whose debut as a film director "Run Fatboy Run" hits theaters March 28, told Alison Bailes not to hold your breath waiting for a "Friends" reunion.

Besides concentrating on directing and roles in upcoming films like "Nothing But The Truth," Schwimmer said the way the show ended was perfect -- and why mess with perfection?

Catch more of Alison's chat with David Schwimmer this week on RT. And Alison & Jeffrey review "Run Fatboy Run" as well!

Peter O'Toole breezed through town this week, touting "The Tudors," the new Showtime miniseries in which he portrays Pope Paul III.

He became a star with "Lawrence of Arabia," a part coveted by everyone from Albert Finney to John Hurt. But it wasn't his first film. No, before that breakthrough role, he appeared in "Kidnapped" and "The Day They Robbed England," as well as bit roles on British TV.

O'Toole is one of the last of the post war so-called "Angry Young Man" generation of English actors; Richard Harris, Sir Stanley Baker, and Oliver Reed were others; Richard Burton, too, though he had more stage experience.

O'Toole holds a record which, like some baseball records, will surely never be broken: most Best Actor Oscar nominations with no wins -- an incredible eight. Most recently it was "Venus," and before that, "My Favorite Year," as an inebriated Errol Flynn-type, "The Stunt Man," "The Ruling Class," "Becket, " “Goodbye, Mr. Chips,” "The Lion in Winter" and his starring debut in the aforementioned "Lawrence of Arabia." He once told me he loved that role, but hated the camels. "Horrid creatures," he would say.

I first met him on the set of "Lord Jim" in 1965. He is truly a world-renowned movie star, with an honorary Oscar and soon, I hope, a knighthood. Hey Queen Elizabeth (she regularly checks our REEL TALK blogs) what're you waiting for?

...Well, sort of. Congrats to Isaac U. for winning our Name Game. Expect one DVD prize Pack in the mail shortly. As far as the Top Poster contest. Due to the holiday it's postponed this weekend. Keep chatting it up in our message forums to qualify for next week.

Check out the latest photos from Universal Pictures' 'The Wolfman' starring Benicio Del Toro and Anthony Hopkins.

In this modern day remake, Del Toro plays Lawrence Talbot, a man who is bitten by a werewolf on a visit to his homeland. This project is still under production and is expected to be released February 13, 2009.

Want to win cool DVD prizes and get REEL TALK site cred? Then play The REEL TALK Name Game!

After the jump you'll see seven actors, actresses and musicans. Be the first to submit the REAL name of each person and you win! Simply write your answers in the comments section and that's it!

Good luck!

Sir Ben Kingsley
Courtney Love
Natalie Portman
Bruce Willis
Carmen Electra
Jennifer Tilly
Jason Alexander

You know those people that spoil their dogs rotten and treat 'em basically like their kids? Count my wife Cindi and I as part of that group. Since we don't have kids, our two dogs -- Bernice and Serena -- have the run of our apartment.

Today's a really big day because it's Serena's 9th birthday! That's right, we mark our dogs' B-days, too.

So here are five four-legged features that are at the top of Serena's Netflix queue (or would be if she had opposable thumbs):

My Dog Skip:
No canine film has ever captured the unique bond a boy has with his dog as this one did. Willie (Frankie Muniz) is one of those kids who doesn't have many friends, except for his loyal Jack Russell Terrier, Skip. And what a dog! Skip helped Willie make friends, meet girls (dogs are great for that) and even learn understanding and tolerance.

The last scene when Willie goes off to school and Skip watches the bus leave -- taking his dearest friend away -- will have anyone who's ever had a dog crying like a baby. Watch it here.

Heartwarming but not dependent on the sentimentality most dog movies rely on, "My Dog Skip" shows that no matter how much a person changes, the one constant in his/her life will be a dog's unconditional love and devotion.

Note: Skip was played by the greatest modern-day four-legged thespians, Enzo & Moose, best known for their scene-stealing turns as 'Eddie' on TV's "Frasier."

Turner & Hooch:
Before he became the King of Hollywood, working with Spielberg, Tom Hanks had the spotlight stolen from him by a co-star who slobbered his way into America's hearts.

Yes, "Turner & Hooch" is a by-the-numbers cop & dog comedy. But the plot is only an excuse to bring Hanks' neat-freak cop together with a chaos-causing Dogue de Bordeaux named Hooch.

If you've ever had a big, lovable, clumsy destructive canine in your family, you'll appreciate the scene where Hooch, left home alone, trashes Hanks' place.

Funny, engaging and touching, this is one of the few pre-'Philadelphia' Tom Hanks movies I still stop to watch whenever I catch it channel-surfing.

Note: During the 2006 Academy Awards, Tom Hanks appeared in a skit about lengthy acceptance speeches and in his mock speech, thanked his co-star Hooch.

I Am Legend:
Maybe not an obvious choice for this list, but if you've seen the film you know that without his dog, we would not have been able to relate as well to Will Smith's superb performance (covered in depth here.) It was helped tremendously by the chemistry he shared with his only friend in the film, the loyal German Shepherd Samantha.

**SPOILER ALERT***

The scene when Sam dies -- after saving Smith's character from a pack of savage Zombie Dogs -- is one of the most heartbreaking film sequences in recent years. Consider yourselves warned.

Note: 'Sam' was played by two canines, Abby and Kona.

Lady & the Tramp:
OK, since our previous pick was a sad one, let's cheer you up with the movie Jeffrey (a dog lover himself who has two dogs of his own) has called "Disney's greatest love story." Couldn't agree more. I pick this one over '101 Dalmatians' because the story of opposites attracting -- the classy, refined cocker spaniel and the streets mart mutt -- is magical. Some of Disney's 'classics' seem a bit dated when seen through grown-up eyes, but this one still holds up so well. As for the movie's signature moment, the "Bella Notta" scene, it's probably done more than even Chef-Boy-Ardee to make spaghetti the meal of choice for kids.

Note: The film's opening scene, where Lady is given as a Christmas gift in a hat box, is reportedly based on a real-life incident in Walt Disney's life.

Benji (1974):
I know most people may pick Lassie as the classic Hollywood dog, but if you were a young child in the 70s, as I was, then Benji was your pooch. Made for young kids, i caught part of it on cable not too long ago and the Me-decade kitschiness aside, it was fine family entertainment. And it featured Peter Breck (Nick from "The Big Valley") in a supporting role!

This one makes my list for that and because the 'Benji' was one of the most unbelievably cute movie dogs ever. I mean, the camera really loved that dog.

Note: Benji's real name was Higgins and he also appeared on the TV show "Petticoat Junction."

We’re all about location here at REEL TALK. From the lush Rocky Mountains to the beautiful (and classy) San Diego – this week’s edition of Mixtape is ‘on location’ everywhere.

- So, were the creators of the recently launched Hulu from Hawaii? Where ever they’re from, we love the way they ‘move’ in and out fresh TV and movie titles to our desktops for free! [hulu]

- The hills are alive with some guy and an Sharpie. Check out our pic of the week! [gigglesugar]

- Off to the tropical lands of Vietnam for Ben Stiller’s upcoming comedy "Tropic Thunder.” Tell us what you think about the blackface.

- In the classy town of San Diego, rumor has it that Judd Apatow might bless us with a sequel of “Anchorman.” [MTV]

- Sleepy Hollow, NY; New Orleans, LA; Amityville, NY; any city in Texas – these are just a few areas where some great horror and thriller movies have taken place. Perhaps Sam Raimi will set his new eight-episode summer reality show in one of these towns. [buzzsugar]

- Opening this week:

Hey all you power bloggers, entertainment fiends and movie hounds! If you have a voice that needs to be heard, or you just want a way to get your writing out, we’ve got just the contest for you!

Introducing the REEL TALK Top Poster contest! This is our new weekly contest to welcome in our new message boards. Entering is easy, here’s how:

1. Join the REEL TALK forums. Go to http://forums.reeltalktv.com/ and sign up.

2. Once validated,start posting and responding to any topics on the forums. The more you post topics, reply, give honest and insightful comments, the greater your chance to win!

4. Winners will be chosen weekly. ( Read the rules section.)

5. Each winner will be offered a guest slot on our blog section to submit their own content on the REELTALKtv.com site! Weekly winners receive a DVD prize pack to inspire their creative flow.

This contest ends May 9th, so the join the REEL TALK forums ASAP!

Good luck!

We know it's cold outside, but believe it or not, summer is almost here! And along with the much needed warm weather comes a storm of new summer comedies. Such as Ben Stiller's controversial "Tropic Thunder," scheduled to be released August 15th. With a cast like Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black and Stiller, we're anxious to get some good laughs out of this film -- despite the racial insensitivity.

Let us know what you think, check out the teaser here.

The news of the sudden passing of Anthony Minghella, the talented writer/director was shocking. His passing, which was confirmed Tuesday by his agent, ends a magnificent career with top notch films like "The English Patient," "Truly Madly Deeply" and "The Talented Mr. Ripley" on his resume. Or more appropriately, as his legacy.

The 54-year-old filmmaker, born in England, was a former professor in the years he formulated his craft as a composer and playwright. He even won the most Promising Playwright award from the London theater critics in 1986 and later he would be appointed a CBE or Commander of the British Empire award from the Queen, one of the stepping stones en route to a knighthood.

Five of his actors went on to earn Oscar nominations; Ralph Fiennes, Jude Law, Renee Zellweger, Juliette Binoche and Kristin Scott Thomas, with Zellweger and Binoche winning Supporting Actress Oscars. The brother of writers and the father of an actor and actress, he'd completed "The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency," based on the novel, to air on British television. He also had two other films coming. We can only imagine how many more classy, intelligent films he would've made. His passing is a terrible loss.

**SPOILER ALERT!! IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN "I AM LEGEND" YOU MAY WANT TO STOP READING NOW**

The big selling point for Warner Bros.' DVD release of "I Am Legend" (in stores today) is that the 2-disc special edition comes with the theatrical release that just about everyone saw...as well as alternate version of the movie.

Now, I'm one of those guys who loves the extras on a DVD. I may not get around to watching them all in this lifetime, but I like knowing there are 18 hours of deleted scenes, commentaries & making-of stuff on my DVDs.

And there is no extra I love more than an alternate ending. Along with deleted scenes, it gives you a sense of how the director assembled the film in the editing room.

When I saw "I Am Legend" for the first time in December, I remember that after I got over my shock at how good Will Smith was, I thought that his incredible performance actually masked some of the movie's flaws.

Rarely do I say this, but that was a movie that cried for a longer running time (it was only 100 minutes). I wanted to see more of the panic during the evacuation we see in brief flashbacks. I wanted to see more of the early days when Smith's character Robert Neville was still adjusting to being The Last Man on Earth with Sam, his faithful German Shepherd.

I also thought the ending of the film was a bit ...slapped on. Like a last-minute rewrite or something.

**SPOILER ALERT**

I didn't necessarily think Smith's character had to die to make the movie. Was it shocking that he did? Of course. It's always a shock when a Hollywood A-lister dies in a blockbuster. But it felt like it was an ending just to shock people. I thought he could have survived and the story would still have worked.

Well, turns out they did shoot an alternate ending, and yes, Smith does live in this version. But you know what? I was wrong. The movie works better the original way. Robert Neville makes a greater impact as a martyr than as a survivor.

The alt. version shows the Dark Seekers (those are the kill-by-night vampires) still have some tiny bit of humanity left in them. Neville basically appeals to that tiny part of their soul not completely corrupted when they chase him down to his lab, and strikes up a tentative truce when he shows them he may have a cure for the virus.

Then he drives off, presumably to a happier time for humanity. Eh.

Just didn't do it for me. The film lost a lot of its impact with the different ending. The filmmakers did the right thing going with the other ending, IMHO. But you be the judge. Get the DVD and decide for yourself.

[Photos: Warner Bros.]

Here's the latest trailer for the latest Disney/Pixar production, "WALL*E."

It's written and directed by Andrew Stanton, the same guy who co-wrote/directed "Finding Nemo" and wrote my favorite Pixar movie "Monsters, Inc."

"Wall*E" debuts June 27.

For only the third time in their careers (and first time since 1995's "Heat"), Al Pacino and Robert Deniro co-star in THE crime drama "Righteous Kill." It's about two veteran cops trying to hunt down a murderer. Check out the trailer with Deniro and Pacino and co-star 50 Cent (!). "Righteous Kill" is due out September 12.

A documentary with a laughing twist! Follow Morgan Spurlock (from "Super Size Me") all over the middle east to find the world's most wanted man. "Where in the World Is Osama Bin Laden?" is due out later this year.

Check out Brooklyn native Jamal Woolard in the first production shot of him from "NOTORIOUS" as Christopher Wallace, AKA slain hip-hop icon Notorious B.I.G.

Filming on the biopic is just getting underway in and around NYC. Fox Searchlight is behind the project. You can read more about the film on producer Wayne Barrow's blog.

For those wondering why "Batman Begins" isn't already out on Blu-ray, Warner Bros. was obviously waiting to ride the hype about the sequel 'The Dark Knight.' The studio's home entertainment arm announced today that the franchise reboot will make its Blu-ray debut July 8. Ten days before the sequel debuts.

It will be available in a special limited edition set that includes the movie of course, as well as the the first six minutes of the sequel, a special comic book adaptation of that sequence, postcards, script pages and storyboards. If you just want the movie in hi-def without all the geeky extras, it will be available in a single-disc Blu-ray edition too.

Read the full press release here and check out the trailer for "The Dark Knight" which opens in theaters July 18 after the jump.

Frank Miller, he of the legendary comic book career, is making his solo directing debut with "The Spirit." Due out in 2009, the man who who's had two of his masterworks ("Sin City" and "300") adapted for the screen will adapt Will Eisner's classic comic strip. In his new production blog, Miller talks about the challenge of modernizing Denny Colt's love interest, Ellen Dolan.

Anyone who's read Miller's work in the past knows he knows how to write strong female characters. Sometimes people think he's writing from a chauvinistic POV, but I disagree greatly.

"The Spirit" is due out in early 2009. Meantime, check out this interview we did with Mr. Miller back in 2006. Talked about everything from making "Sin City" to which comic book films he's enjoyed.

A cute elephant knocked the Woolly Mammoths from the top perch at the weekend box office and showed once again that a good family film is close to a sure thing at the movies. "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears A Who!" earned Fox about $45 million for an easy win. Check it out Alison & Jeffrey's review of the G-rated animated movie from this week's show.

As for the rest of the Top 5, "10,000 B.C." lost more than 50% of its audience (not surprising considering the terrible reviews) but still finished in second place with $16.4M.

It no doubt helped that outside of "Horton" and the not-screened-for-critics "Doomsday", the only other wide release debut was the teen fight drama "Never Back Down," which finished third with a not-so-bad total of $8.6M. "College Road Trip" -- another G-rated family film - took in $7.8M in its second weekend to finish fourth, and "Vantage Point" continues its solid run by earning $5.4M to land in fifth place.

Next week looks like a guaranteed repeat win for "Horton" as the only big releases are Owen Wilson's comedy "Drillbit Taylor" and Tyler Perry's "Meet the Browns." Neither is aimed at the kiddie crowd that may drag their parents back to the theaters to see "Horton" again.

Our guest on this week's show is Oscar winner Charlize Theron. The South African stunner is the co-star and producer of "Sleepwalking," which opens this weekend in select cities. Watch this clip where the classic movie fan tells Jeffrey about the time she ran into Elizabeth Taylor!

Watch more of Jeffrey's interview with Charlize Theron this weekend on RT, as well our review of "Sleepwalking."

A new animated film based on influential genre magazine Heavy Metal is on the way. That's good news in and of itself for fans of the Frank Frazetta-inspired sci-fi mag, but the GREAT news is the director who's attached: David Fincher!

According to , The film will have nine animated segments full of the sci-fi and erotic imagery HM is known for. Fincher, the man behind "Fight Club" and last year's woefully under-attended "Zodiac," will direct one segment.

Another interesting tidbit regarding this project. Kevin Eastman, co-creator of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and now the owner of Heavy Metal, will direct one of the segments.

This will be the third Heavy Metal movie, after the cult classic 1981 film and the not-so-classic 2000 sequel.

No release date set.

We know you're busy, yet anxious to get out and see a fresh, new movie this weekend. And you should, it's the ultimate way to relax. Just you, your friends, and a big 'ole tub 'o theater popcorn. Check out the trailers of this week's latest.

Warner Bros. announced today that the adaptation of J.K. Rowling's final Potter book, "Harry Potter and The Deathly Gallows" will be released as two films. Part I will hit theaters during the 2010 holiday season, with Part II following in Summer 2011.

Read the full press release here.

This is a genius business move by Warner Bros. Considering the first five Potter pictures have each grossed at least $795 million (!!) worldwide, the studio must be understandably worried about the imminent end of its mammoth cash cow.

There are only two more of Rowling's books left to adapt (the 6th, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" comes out in November). Considering how much control Rowling has maintained over her beloved literary creation, I can't imagine the author approving more Potter movies that are based on stories SHE DIDN'T WRITE.

So by splitting the final film into two parts, Warner Bros. has basically given themselves an 8th installment of one of the most profitable franchises in movie history. One that will get a nice boost of (free) publicity from the 'To Be Continued...' nature of the project.

Of course, there is the potential downside. Director David Yates, who did 'Order of the Phoenix' and is helming the final two Potter movies, should talk to the Wachowski Brothers about their experience with the final 2 'Matrix' films in 2003. "The Matrix Reloaded" was so such a letdown for critics AND fans that by the time "The Matrix Revolutions" came out a few months later, no one cared. That third film was the least successful of 'The Matrix' trilogy.

Of course, the built-in audience for the Harry Potter movies is much larger, so chances of a severe drop-off are slim. But still, Mr. Yates probably will feel just a little bit of pressure wrapping up the Boy Wizard's story.

Rock icon Meat Loaf dropped by our 30 Rock studios this week to talk with Jeffrey about his new documentary, "Meat Loaf: In Search of Paradise." It's playing for a limited time in select cities. The man who has sold more than 55 million albums also sounded off about the NY Yankees' decision to let Billy Crystal play in an exhibition game -- and asked for a spot in the lineup too! Watch it after the jump!

BTW, the new doc is fascinating and a must-see for anyone who's ever gotten up drunk and sang an off-key version of 'Paradise By the Dashboard Light' at a karaoke bar.

Watch Jeffrey's full interview with Meat Loaf here. And check out some clips from "Meat Loaf: In Search of Paradise" here.

Want your first look at "The Incredible Hulk" starring Ed Norton and Liv Tyler? Click here to check it out.

The Hulk looked good and mean, and not as glow-in-the-dark green as in the first film. The Abomination, one of the Hulk's great enemies from the comics, looks good -- 'tho a bit like DC's 'Swamp Thing' from those cheesy 80s movies. That final image of the two charging at each other looks like the filmmakers' way of saying this movie will have much more action than Ang Lee's existential film. Good! I want me some major-league urban devastation in a Hulk movie.

"The Incredible Hulk" debuts June 13.

Check out the latest from Warner Bros. on Alma and why she puts the fear in everyone. Read the press release after the jump.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is pleased to announce the launch of the official Project Origin community website. Developer Monolith Productions’ sequel to the critically-acclaimed supernatural first-person shooter F.E.A.R., Project Origin rips players from their seats and throws them back into the tension as they combat enemy forces and the supernatural in a struggle to find a way to stop Alma, a girl with immense power and a thirst for revenge, and uncover the mysterious forces arrayed against them before it’s too late.

At 6:00pm PST, point your crosshairs over the following link to immerse yourself in the world of Project Origin – including all-new assets!

Visit www.projectorigingame.com for more information.

Next month begins the latest installment of the Tribeca Film Festival. I was one of many observers last year who noted that the festival had too many movies in too many venues away from lower Manhattan which, after the Sept. 11th attacks, was the reason for the festival's creation by Robert De Niro and others; to get people back to that area. We were seeing movies screened all over town.

Now it's been announced that the seventh festival has trimmed its content, the 122 entries being 37 fewer than last year's glut of movies. They will be screened at fewer venues as well. As for the films themselves, the full slate has just been announced. Among the ones I'm looking forward to seeing:

Films with Frank Langella, Sissy Spacek and William H. Macy, directorial efforts by Mario Van Peebles and the gifted artist Bill Pympton, and documentaries on John F. Kennedy and the Dalai Lama. The festival runs April 23rd through May 4th. We'll be covering some of the key films in an upcoming edition of REEL TALK. In the meantime, you can read up on all the Tribeca movies here.

(NOTE: NBC Universal, REEL TALK's parent company, is a sponsor of the Tribeca Film Festival)

By Guest Blogger: Macktrek (If you want to be next week's guest blogger join our contest!)
As we approach the summer blockbuster time of the year, more trailers are being released. The whole point of the trailer is to catch the audience’s attention and to make them want to see the movie.

Unfortunately, movie trailers have become movie spoilers. These trailers are showing key plot developments or twists, which take away from the movie.

Take Vantage Point for example (if you have not seen the trailer or movie, read no further). I had not see the trailer before seeing the movie, but my wife had. I enjoyed the movie more than she did, and I was not sure why.

The reason was that in the trailer, you see that the President is not shot, his double is. I had not seen the trailer, so I was surprised when I learned this in the movie.

We all enjoy watching movies, and not knowing what is going to happen next. So why do the trailers show, at times, the best part of the movie? I would like to see a return to true movie trailers instead of the movie spoilers that are now playing.

Saw a film last night that doesn’t come out until June, called “The Promotion.” But I had not heard anything about it and was surprised to see that John C. Reilly starred along side Sean William Scott.

It’s in the vein of “Office Space” or “The Good Girl,” set in a huge supermarket chain. Reilly and Scott vie for the position of manager at a new store about to go up. It’s deadpan and wry. I laughed a lot.

But the worse part about the film? Lili Taylor’s accent. She plays Reilly’s wife, who for some reason is Scottish in the script. There’s no reason for this, and the director should have put the kibosh on it as soon as she stepped on the set. It’s the worse attempt at a Scottish accent I think I’ve ever heard. Totally embarrassing. Why do actors insist on this? Is it part of stretching their acting muscles? I always liked Taylor and consider her a fine, serious actor. But she should spend some more time with a dialect coach in future.

As I’m faced with another documentary about Iraq -- this one focusing on the wounded soldiers and civilians affected by the ‘war’ -- I was wondering to myself “what is one’s responsibility as a filmgoer to watch these films?”

Obviously, for me, it’s my job. So I will watch “Fighting For Life,” even though I know it contains images of soldiers and children with their limbs blown off. I wish I could bury my head in the sand and ignore this film. But then I’d be in trouble with the show’s producer, Mike Avila. And surely, to avoid seeing the film is to avoid thinking about the war? That’s tantamount to hoping it all goes away if we don’t dwell on it too much. And that’s just morally irresponsible.

a href="http://www.fightingforlifethemovie.com/">So I’m trying to realize that to watch this film is my duty as someone who cares. Believe me, I know it’s not always the cinematic experience we want, but I’m trying to regard it as a privilege, rather than a chore.

Yesterday we told you that the first trailer "The Incredible Hulk" starring Ed Norton was debuting Wednesday night on MTV. We also told you that it was strange that it took this long to get our first glimpse of one of the summer's most anticipated movies. Now we know what may be causing the delay.

Deadline Hollywood Daily is reporting that Norton and Marvel Studios are battling over final cut on the film.

That's right, Ed Norton -- star/producer/writer of the movie, NOT the director Louis Leterrier, is locking horns with the Marvel folks over final editing. Apparently Norton was promised all kinds of access and control when he was brought onboard for the reboot of the Hulk franchise. Now he's putting his foot down over how the final version of the film should turn out.

The article quotes several sources, some who say Marvel should never have let the star of its movie write it. Another says Norton is genuinely passionate about the film and he has a strong vision for it.

Hey, sometimes a little creative conflict is good. Many a good film has been found or lost in the edit room. I just hope whatever differences both sides have are worked out in time to make this a better Hulk movie than the first one.

"The Incredible Hulk" opens June 13. Here's the promo for the trailer:

- And now the world is safe. Check out pics of 'Wawtchmen' heroes in their costumes. [UGO]

- Ledger's Film is still a go! [Premiere Daily]

- Who says being a metalhead is a bad thing? Check out the new "Iron Man" poster.

- On a budget, here's a scoop for cheap rentals. Read how to find 99 cent movie rentals on iTunes. [unpluggd]

- Opening this week:

And sometimes being a hero is tough.

I caught an early screening of the latest from Judd Apatow's comedy troupe, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." Starring Jason Segel from TV's criminally-underrated "How I Met Your Mother" (he also co-wrote the screenplay), this is yet another winner from the House of Judd.

I saw it in a packed Upper West Side theater and there were several scenes that had people howling out loud and practically rolling in the aisles. All the actors, especially Segel and including Mila Kunis (Jackie from "That 70s Show") and "Veronica Mars'" Kristen Bell, are funny and likeable here. And the scene where Segel sings a song from his in-progress Dracula musical is an instant classic. Trust me.

Alison & Jeffrey will review "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" when it opens April 18th. Here's the trailer to tide you over until then:

Those Saturday morning staples, ‘The Smurfs”, have finally made their DVD debut. Season One, Vol. 1 has the first nine episodes featuring 19 stories of the original blue man group, remastered and in their unedited versions, with the original open (not the lame one used in syndication all these years).

Upon further review, the show holds up well 26 years later. However, beneath the cheerful ‘La-La-lalalala’ surface, I’ve discovered a number of disturbing themes. This was truly a mushroom village in crisis.

Read more and watch a Smurf-a-rific clip after the jump.

First there was the rampant xenophobia.

It’s a good thing the Smurfs’ village was hidden from sight, because it hid the real ugly truth about the little blue guys. Tolerance was a huge problem.

If you stood out in the crowd in the slightest bit, you were shunned. Just ask Clumsy, Baker, Lazy, Grouchy, Painter and especially poor Vanity Smurf. It happened to each of them during the first season alone.

Vanity was practically chased out of the mushroom village in one early episode by the more ‘straightforward’ Smurfs for being ‘different.’

“All in the Family” may get all the press for having TV’s first gay character, but “The Smurfs” depict one of the first examples of teen homophobia in television history and no one noticed! (OK, the young Smurfs were about 100 years old, but that’s like being a teenager in their village).

Many say The Smurfs, with their sense of community, getting by with the basics of life, one ruler (‘Are we there yet, Papa Smurf?’), are a metaphor for communism. I say they’re more symbolic of a cult than an ideology.

Think about it. They were isolated from the outside world, to the point they harvested their own food (smurfberries!), they distrusted anyone who wasn’t blue and 3-apples high (‘You’re behaving just like humans!’) and individual identity was suppressed to the point of invisibility. C’mon. The village may as well have been in Idaho.

The cultish behavior became obvious to me while watching one particularly unsettling episode, “King Smurf.” Brainy Smurf incites civil war in the village when he declares himself King Smurf while Papa Smurf’s away. Soon, it’s a 3-apples-high version of ‘Lord of the Flies’ …Smurf vs. Smurf, to the death!

Good grief. How did my parents let me watch this without adult supervision??

It’s not until Papa Smurf steps in do things improve. But Papa Smurf is actually to blame for most of the village’s problems because he leaves his young Smurfs to fend for themselves, while he spends most of his day in the lab mixing frog’s hair with glowberries.

Looking at the series today, from a wiser, more adult perspective, it’s obvious the Smurfs were typical latchkey kids, and Papa Smurf was the classic absentee, inattentive parent.

At the end of practically every episode, the suck-up Brainy says something annoying and gets tossed out of the village.

But it should have been Papa Smurf who should have been bounced on his white-haired head. Dude, what in your 542-year-old life led you to believe these Smurfs could get by without adult supervision??

Then there’s the episode that marked the beginning of the end of The Smurfs – Episode #2, The Smurfette. As Donnie Darko explained to his ignorant friend, Smurfette was originally a Gargamel creation meant to betray the Smurfs. I hadn’t seen this episode since I was 10 years old, and only remembered her being relentlessly happy and always needy, in a quaint, old-fashioned way, even for 1981.

I, like many unsuspecting youngsters (and all those poor love-crazed Smurfs) was blinded by her newly-created blonde hair, her squeaky ‘who me?’ voice and charming mannerisms. But again, time has opened my eyes to her devious ways.

It’s clear now that it was all an act. Smurfette was a sleeper agent all along! She never stopped working Gargamel’s agenda. Her true mission wasn’t to lead him and Azrael to the village, it was to corrupt the village from within. By ultimately playing with the emotions (and libidos) of the female companionship-deprived Smurfs and pitting them against each other in a contest to see who could win her hand, she would chip away little by little at the ‘All for Smurf, and Smurf for all’ creed of the village. That’s how the evil wizard would get his revenge. All it would take is a little time.

Don’t believe me? Watch the DVDs and see for yourself, that things weren’t as Smurfy as they appeared in those Saturday mornings of yesteryear.

According to Variety, Paramount has snagged the rights to make live-action films based on the 90s Valiant Comics series "Harbinger." The article indicates Brett Ratner is in line to direct.

Ratner is a hitmaker, true. "Red Dragon," "Family Man" and the "Rush Hour" franchises all made good money

But the last time he was involved in a comic book picture, it was the wildly uneven "X-Men: The Last Stand," so this will likely not go over well with the core fan base.

That X-movie did huge box office but was considered the weakest of the trilogy, and hardcore fans of Marvel's mutants were not happy.

Created by comics legend Jim Shooter, "Harbinger" revolves around a group of young kids, 'harbingers', with special powers who are being hunted by a corporation run by an older, more powerful 'harbinger.'

The article compares "Harbinger" to "Blade Runner" but I would say it's closer to "X-Men" -- with its themes of paranoia and youngsters feeling like outsiders. And while it never had the mainstream appeal of Spider-Man, Batman or Hulk, "Harbinger's" influence can be seen in modern pop culture hits like NBC's "Heroes."

I'm a big fan of the original "Harbinger" series. I recently re-read the original comics and they hold up well, all these years later. But this shouldn't be approached like most comic book adaptations. The appeal of "Harbinger" was in the character development. I don't know if this has blockbuster potential but it could make for a compelling sci-fi film, more "Gattaca" than "The Matrix."

Nothing in Brett Ratner's filmography indicates he's capable of doing a story-driven movie like that. But who knows? Maybe he'll get a fantastic script to work with and nail it. Whoever directs this, I just hope they don't screw it up.

Check out the newest one-sheet movie poster for "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," designed by legendary poster artist Drew Struzan. The obviously extraterrestrial skull in the center seems to confirm Dr. Jones' new adventure will involve something alien in nature.

"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" opens May 22nd.

By Guest Blogger: Macktrek (If you want to be next week's guest blogger join our contest!)

I remember going to Drive-in theaters growing up, pulling in backwards and lying in the back of the station wagon to watch the first feature. Everyone would than head towards the concession stand to get drinks, hot dogs, or fresh hot buttered popcorn. While waiting in line, people were talking about what they liked about the first feature, and what they were looking forward to in the second.

In those days, if it was a Disney or John Wayne film my parents were not worried about taking us kids to see it. At some point, the magic and innocence of going to the movies lost some of its luster, and it’s not just due to the fact that parents have to pre-screen movies before they can take their kids. The theater, where you go to escape and enjoy a movie has changed.

I can remember when you could go to a theater, get fresh hot buttered popcorn and sit in a large theater to watch the movie. Now the best you can hope for is warm popcorn. I have seen pre-popped popcorn poured out of a bag into the popcorn machine. Do they really think that since it is in a popcorn machine we are going to believe that it was just popped? It use to be that when you ordered the popcorn, if you wanted butter, they would put some popcorn in the tub, add some butter, than more popcorn and more butter. Now they hand you the tub and you have to go to the butter dispenser and add butter to the top of your popcorn.

Now you have your snacks, and you make you way to the theater. If you are going to see what the theater manager thinks is going to be a big hit, you will be heading, in most cases, to a larger theater. If not, you may at first believe that you have accidentally walked into a storage closet. Some of the theaters are so small that you feel like you are sitting in a cave, watching a screen not much bigger than a large T.V.

My family and I enjoy going to the movies, and discussing them afterwards. I just miss a large screen and fresh hot buttered popcorn.

Sprinkled among all the special-effects heavy blockbuster hopefuls due to be released this summer, the most controversial film of the summer season could be a documentary on religion.

Television commentator Bill Maher, no stranger to controversy, has teamed with Larry Charles, the director of "Borat: Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," to make "Religulous", a documentary due out in June featuring Maher's POV on the sensitive topic. The two traveled all over the world to research and interview people about God and and faith.

"Comedically, the topic of religion is hitting the side of a barn;" Maher told the industry trade Daily Variety. "It's literally hard to miss. This movie will make you laugh so hard you'll pray for it to stop."

Lionsgate will release "Religulous" June 20th. If early reaction is any indication, the film could touch off heated debate. Religion, like politics, is one of those topics that always invites passionate, sometimes irrational responses. The idea of mixing religion and comedy in general sounds like a potentially volatile mix. Many other comics have been doing it for years, like George Carlin. It will be interesting to see how Maher's take on it comes across.

Remarkable, that just over three months away from the film's debut, we have yet to see any video from "The Incredible Hulk." The trailer for the Ed Norton reboot of The Green Goliath's franchise debuts this Wednesday @ 9.56pm ET on MTV and MTV.com.

And guess what? There's an early look at the preview right now. That's right. A trailer of the trailer. Check it out after the jump. Oh, the film opens June 13.

Interesting article in Sunday's NY Times about Christopher Nolan and his upcoming 'Batman Begins' sequel "The Dark Knight." It looks at how Gotham City will look much different in the sequel, Nolan's hands-on approach to film making, and of course, it also touches on how Heath Ledger's tragic death has impacted the movie.

Read the article and check out the trailer below. "The Dark Knight" opens July 18.

I can’t stop thinking about how hilariously bad "10,000 B.C." was. And I’m not sure that in my chat on the show with Jeffrey, whether I managed to make all my points, as there are so many ‘good’ things to mention.

The mammoths looked real. OK. To me, that’s not enough for having to sit through the rest of this folderol. The voice-over was portentous and very, very silly. It was like a Monty Python film! Why on earth would Omar Sharif agree to do this narration?

The actors all looked like they were dressed up for a Disney theme ride. Fake dirty hair, well-placed smudges of soot on their faces, brilliant white straight teeth, cool ethnic jewelry. And where were they? One minute we’re in snow covered mountains, then steamy Rainforest, then the desert. Nonsensical.

If you’re going to have your ancient cavemen speak in English, why have them do funny accents? Either use an original language and subtitles or just speak English.

The attack of the chickens!!!! Yes, our brave band of heroes gets assaulted by killer fowl! It’s hard to be scared watching grown men chased by pecking chicks. Totally lost it here.

Also, I was expecting Jaye Davidson from “Stargate” to show up at the end.

And finally, who on earth finishes the damn pyramids??

It's weekends like this that make you wonder how many people pay attention to what the critics say.

Despite some of the worst reviews for a big-budget film in recent memory, "10,000 B.C." took top honors at the weekend box office with more than $35 million. Just about everyone's giving the credit for the solid-but-not-spectacular debut to Warner Bros.' marketing team for the way they pitched the film as a prehistoric epic -- not the unintentionally funny fiasco it really is.

Read about the rest of the Weekend Top 5 after the jump.

Equally awful reviews didn't keep "College Road Trip" from earning $14M. I guess Disney was smart to make sure the Martin Lawrence film had a G rating to ensure Raven Symone's fans from her Disney Channel show would come out this weekend.

In third place was "Vantage Point," which despite terrible (I''m running out of adjectives) reviews keeps earning respectable cash (another $7.5M this weekend) and in fourth, Will Ferrell's disappointing "Semi-Pro" with $5.9M.

Bringing up the rear is "The Bank Job," with a decent $5.7M. Jason Statham's most seriously dramatic work was the only film in the Top 5 with positive write-ups.

For The Fans!

It would appear to me that it is an increasing trend to make movies that people want. A truly revolutionary idea! Not too long ago, “Spider-Man” and “The Lord of the Rings” both proved that a fan base will support films they approve of.

When the big companies take a concept and warp it for “general audiences” it doesn’t work. But when you know who you want to buy your tickets, the profits can not only reach out to each of those die-hard fans, but those more general film seekers who just want a good movie.

Furthering this pattern of accomplishment are remake or sequel films such as “Batman Begins” and “Rocky Balboa.” These films already had their moment in the spotlight, it would seem, but the fans for Rocky and Batman are still very much alive. “Batman Begins” went in a new direction: complete start-over. A fresh start allowed the creators to work with everything the Batman universe has to offer and do it in a way they know the fans will like. Similarly, “Rocky Balboa” found a way to recapture what we loved of the original “Rocky” without dramatically changing any concepts. Rocky was still the same, lovable fighter who continues to inspire us all to try that extra sit-up in the morning.

Perhaps the best part of this novel concept is the fact that it isn’t over yet. Currently, major game developer Blizzard is funding the “World of Warcraft” movie. The gamer fanbase currently online travels high into the millions world-wide. Blizzard is fully aware that the fans are what keep them in the black, and as such, they are sparing no expense. The film will be completely computer animated to help recreate the colorful, imaginative world of the game. This will probably also help it steer away from the “Lord of the Rings" look some films get. The company is also ensuring the animation is of top quality, and similar to the cinematic scenes used in game trailers. Surely, they know what they are doing.

It looks like someone in Hollywood finally gets the average man, and understand what really brings in the dough. Keep it up, film makers! Make those movies for the fans!

Observations From a Movie Fan

Here are some observations I’ve noted in my experience as a movie fan.

Romance
In classic film, when two characters are making a romantic connection, it is made apparent not only by subtle acting talents but by a soft focus and a close-up shot. The hero and his damsel are drawn together, and the music swells.

In modern films, when two characters have an attraction, it cuts to an adult situation and is never spoken of again.

Action
In classic film, when the Nazis are catching up to our heroes, the music may gain tempo or the hero is on the run. Also, the villain can be slain in combat. In “Casablanca,” every character who dies does so after one bullet.

In modern film, no one dies until at least 4 bullets hit their mark. The audience is told the action sequence has started with the signal of an explosion. When a much larger explosion occurs and the hero stops running, the audience knows now it’s the part where you have to listen to the people talk about stuff.

Story
In classic film, the viewer needed to follow the characters’ motivations and get to know their personalities. Twists and turns may come about just as you think you have it all figured out. “The Maltese Falcon” shows just how complicated even lowly criminals can be.

In modern days, “Pirates of the Caribbean” receives bad reviews for having a story no one can follow.

Don’t get me wrong. I love movies, both past and present, but every now and again I wouldn’t mind seeing some more witty plotlines or subtle acting techniques on the big screen.

Movie fans know Jason Statham from movies like “Crank” and of course the “Transporter” series, films heavy on action and light on character development. But with his new film “The Bank Job” [check out Jeffrey & Alison’s review] Statham is showing he can do more on screen than just drive fast and beat people up.

Check out Jeffrey’s interview with the British star after the jump.

Christina Ricci’s currently starring in the romantic fable “Penelope.” In this clip from her recent visit to our studios, she talked to Jeffrey about working with The Wachowski Brothers on her next film “Speed Racer.”

Watch more of Jeffrey’s interview with Christina Ricci on this weekend’s RT.

Check out the first trailer from Mike Myers' upcoming "The Love Guru." Justin Timberlake, Jessica Alba and Sir Ben Kingsley (!) co-star in the self-help comedy, which debuts in June.

Watch the trailer after the jump.

Rachel McAdams has turned in heads in superb movies like "Mean Girls," "Wedding Crashers," and "The Notebook." Her new film "Married Life" is reviewed on this weekend's RT.

But the Canadian starlet tells MTV she has her sights set on landing a role in a comic book flick -- specifically, Neil Gaiman's "The Black Orchid."

Just the fact that McAdams can reference Gaiman - let alone has read "The Black Orchid" - automatically raises her Geek street cred.

But I don't know if that's the best comic book role for her. I'd say The Scarlet Witch in the talked-about Avengers movie (listening, Jon Favreau?), Ms. Marvel (a great superheroine tailor-made for the big screen) and -- wait for it -- Wonder Woman!

I know they're talking unknown Megan Gale to play the Amazonian Princess in the "Justice League" movie but a stand-alone WW film needs a stronger presence. McAdams brings that and tons more to the set.

I'm just sayin'...

Tyler Perry's next theatrical release, "Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns," is due out March 21st.

I'd love to tell you we'll be reviewing it on RT that weekend, but once again, Mr. Perry won't allow his film to be screened in advance for critics.

Check out the trailer after the jump.

I honestly don't understand why he insists on shielding his films from critical analysis. He can't be worried about it affecting the box office. All his movies do well, even the ones without Madea (his last one "Why Did I Get Married?' proved that).

Ultimately, since he calls the shots on his projects, it's his right to screen his film for whomever he wants. But to really have your work taken seriously and be properly judged ...you should allow your films to be observed by the critics so they can help their readers/viewers make an informed decision on whether or not to plunk down $10 to see your movie.

After his much-publicized suicide attempt last year, Owen Wilson makes his return to theaters on March 21st in "Drillbit Taylor." Produced by comedy mogul Judd Apatow and co-written by Seth Rogen, Wilson plays a guy hired by three wimpy kids to be their bodyguard against schoolyard bullies.

I'm curious how much press Owen will do for this movie, since he knows he'll be bombarded with personal questions at every turn.

Anyway, see what you think of the film, check out the trailer below.

Jeffrey and I differ quite markedly in our approach to viewing movies. He claims that he wants to know nothing about a film before he sees it. So he avoids print articles or internet chat about an upcoming movie.

I, on the other hand, like to know what I’m in for. I read the synopses in magazines and even check out opinion pieces online. For me knowing the premise of a film doesn’t spoil the enjoyment. After all, it’s impossible to avoid previews these days…and they usually give everything away anyway!

But, when it comes to films with animals or small children, I like to know exactly what is going to happen. I know this probably does a disservice to the filmmaker, but I like to be prepared, and if it’s a heart breaker, I need to steel myself.

So for all of you out there who are like me, here are a couple of spoilers. Some films with themes I found upsetting, which I might have avoided had it not been my job. (Don’t read on if you like to be kept in the dark about a film.)

“Snow Angels”
Kate Beckinsale and Sam Rockwell play the separated parents of a four-year-old girl. He’s a hopeless ne’er-do-well, and she’s overwhelmed so we know right from the start that something bad is going to happen. And it does, to the little girl. Then it gets worse. Be prepared.

“Gone Baby Gone”
A four-year-old girl is abducted and presumed dead. Another young boy is found dead in the den of a pedophile. A gritty reality pervades this film, which makes it impossible to dismiss as “just a film.”

“I Am Legend”
Will smith’s trusty, loyal dog defends him and gets bitten by rabid, infected dogs. His death scene is one of the most upsetting scenes I’ve seen in a long time.

“Under The Same Moon”
After his grandmother dies, a nine year old boy embarks on a journey across the Mexican border to find his mother who is working in LA illegally. Luckily this one ends well.

"The Year My Parents Went On Vacation"
An 11-year-old boy is left in the care of his grandfather while his parents hide out from the repressive regime of 1970’s Brazil. His grandfather dies and he is adopted by the Jewish community. This has a pseudo-happy ending.

On the other hand, my job allows me to see some beautiful films that bring tears of joy instead of sorrow. “Blindsight” is such a film. It’s about six blind young Tibetans who take on mountaineering as a way to build spirit and confidence. This one will make even the most hard-hearted among you weep with joy!

Nic Cage isn't letting the fiasco that was "Next" scare him away from science fiction movies. He's on board to do Summit Entertainment's "Knowing."

Rose Byrne is also reportedly signed to co-star as the daughter of a woman who buried a 1962 time capsule that contains key info like the dates of the assassinations of historical figures, the hotel fire death of the wife of Cage's character, and an impending world collapse.

Alex Proyas, who directed "I, Robot," will sit in the big chair for this one. Production is due to begin March 25 in Australia.

Cage also is lending his voice to the live action-CGI hybrid adaptation of the classic Japanime series "G-Force" from producer Jerry Bruckheimer, due out in 2009. Anyone else wanna bet a "Ghost Rider" sequel isn't too far off?

Universal Pictures (which, like REEL TALK, is part of the NBC Universal family) is offering up free tickets to an advance screening of George Clooney's upcoming comedy "Leatherheads." Set in the world of 1920's pro football, Clooney directs and stars alongside Renee Zellweger. It opens April 4.

Get details and check out the trailer after the jump.

And here's the link to sign up to try and score free tickets.

www.leatherheadsmovie.com

Among the slew of new DVDs released this week is the 50th anniversary edition of "12 Angry Men," one of the greatest trial movies ever made.

It's the only movie set entirely inside a jury room, with jurors deliberating what appears at first to be an open-and-shut case of a Latino boy's murder of his father with a knife.

Check out scenes from and read more about the 50th anniversary DVD re-release of Sidney Lumet's classic, "12 Angry Men" after the jump.

Not so fast, initially the lone holdout for acquittal, played by Henry Fonda, fends off attacks from the others, but one by one, through Reginald Rose's logically-structured script, they cave in and see what really happened. It was the debut behind the lenses for Sidney Lumet, a child actor turned TV director, en route to a magnificent directorial career that continues to the present day [check out our review of his great thriller last year, "Before The Devil Knows You're Dead"].

And what a cast: Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, e.g. Marshall, and great character actors Jack Warden, Joe Sweeney, George Voskoveck, Martin Balsam, Ed Binns, Robert Webber, John Fiedler, and Ed Begley and the only one still among us, Jack Klugman. What a masterpiece!

The commemorative DVD includes two all-new featurettes; "Beyond A Reasonable Doubt: The Making of 12 Angry Men" and "Inside the Jury Room."

"12 Angry Men" is as relevant today as it was during its theatrical debut, five decades ago.

By Guest Blogger Blackskullgreymon

I am what some call a "Casual Collector." And as such, I am always eagerly keeping an eye out for the funnest toys based on my favorite movies. A late 2008 release I am quite pleased about is the Cloverfield Monster toy. The makers of the movie aren't going after the 7-year-old allowance crowd like some toy-makers. Instead, this monster of a toy has a $99 price tag.

Read more from our REEL TALK guest blogger Blackskullgreymon after the jump.

But this toy offers a lot in the details, carrying 70 points of articulation, several parasite minifigures, and even a Statue of Liberty head accessory.

While I am not sure how many of us are going to shell out the dough for this brand, I have to appreciate how they have targeted their audience, the e-crowd who spent hours on the viral site slusho.jp, looking for clues after viewing the trailer.

Now on to "Star Wars" -- and of course, who isn't a fan? The endless army of toys keep coming out, not only with the movie extras each getting their own toy representation, but with new toy types ranging from LEGOs to detailed collector's pieces.

I'm big on their "Unleashed" line, as they not only accurately look like the characters, but the action-styled poses look just fine next to my stylized Anime figures. The issue with these toys is the steep price for a non-posable Star Wars doll, but Hasbro is remedying this with smaller packs of four characters. By the way, everyone needs a Clone Squadron on their desk, you know, just to be safe from evil coworkers

Speaking of LucasArts, it looks as if Indiana Jones may just be the biggest buy of the year. LEGO Jones sets cleverly captures all our favorite scenes from all the movies, including the upcoming "Crystal Skull." And to be perfectly frank, there has never been a LEGO figure as awesome as Indy. Sporting his whip and a gun, he could take down any foe brick-by-brick. But even better for your toy shelves is Taters of the Lost Ark, which was previewed in an earlier REEL TALK article. Mr. Potato Head now has a stylish hat and even a Potato Idol, and he's ready for action.

While it's still early, and with these new additions, I've realized I'm going to need an increase in my toy budget for this year.

A certain archeologist once said 'It's not the years honey, it's the mileage'. And the folks behind "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" are getting lots of mileage from the first trailer to Indy 4 (opening May 22). Paramount estimates it's been seen some 200 million times online since its debut on Valentine's Day. Here it is, in case you haven't caught it:

This week marks the 36th anniversary of "The French Connection" bust which occurred in Marseilles. Roughly 937 pounds of heroin had been seized, valued at $100,000 in the currency of that time -- back when the dollar had real value.

By then, "The French Connection" had been released for four months and Gene Hackman was on his way to be voted Best Actor as Popeye Doyle, the NYPD detective who helped break the case. The real Doyle portrayed his own boss and the late Roy Scheider was Hackman's sidekick.

I portrayed myself as one of the reporters in the scene in which the Lincoln Continental is lifted off the ship, with police eager to strip it and search it for drugs. It was my movie "debut," and director Bill Friedkin told me to relax, hold the mike and "do your thing." The chase scene in the movie remains, along with "Bullitt," perhaps the finest ever filmed, culminating with Hackman's character shooting the murderous drug dealer at the top of the stairs of a distant subway train.

Tony Lo Bianco had a memorable role as the French drug dealers' American contact and Spanish actor Fernando Rey, who I was to know somewhat, was wonderfully cast as "Charnier" the lead French drug smuggler. Besides my one scene, my favorite is the one in which the criminals are dining in a fine French restaurant while outside, the two intrepid detectives, tailing them, are shivering in a doorway, munching on cold pizza an no doubt lousy coffee.

A bit of trivia: In "The French Connection II," directed by John Frankenheimer, Doyle is kidnapped by the drug dealers in France. Held prisoner, he keeps cursing Mickey Mantle. Years later, I found out why. Before the Korean War, Doyle had been a Yankee center field prospect who got drafted into the Army. In fact, he was at the top of the team's rookie depth chart. Mickey Mantle, whose arthritic knees kept him out of the service, was then a short stop. But when Doyle went into the Army and lost his baseball skills in Korea, Mantle was shifted in center field. The rest, as they say, is history.

If you haven’t seen “The French Connection” I highly suggest you rent it this weekend -- it's a great film.

Check out the trailer for DC Comics’ direct-to-DVD animated film “Justice League: New Frontier." Read the full review after the jump.

A basic rule of thumb is that direct-to-dvd movies stink. We make it a point on REEL TALK not to review these types of movies because there are just too many quality films debuting in theaters to fit in movies that aren't worth cutting a theatrical print for.

The stigma of straight-to-DVD releases carry has been well-earned with Disney’s lame home video sequels to classics like “Bambi” and “The Lion King” as well as recent DVD-only series like the "American Pie" and "Bring It On" franchise continuations.

But like the saying goes, there's an exception to every rule. And Warner Bros.' brand new animated original movie "Justice League: New Frontier" is just that and more.

Based on Darwyn Cooke's classic six-issue comic book series (or graphic novel if it makes you feel better) of the same name, "New Frontier" tells the story of the formation of the Justice League of America. For those of you scoring at home (or even if you're alone - thanks Keith!) that's Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter.

No, this isn't just another tights & flights story.

Yes, there are tons of super heroes and cool gadgets and stuff ...the story surrounds a living island known as ‘The Centre’ poses a risk to the welfare of the entire planet. The world’s heroes – all of them – come together to combat the threat.

It’s action-packed with a frenetic pace as well as outstanding animation, but the reason "New Frontier" is a classic is because – just like the story its adapted from -- its as much about the dawn of a new American era as it is about the origin of the JLA.

It’s set during the post-WWII era when the Space Race and the Cold War began, when segregation was still part of the nation's fabric and when McCarthyism was rampant.

Cooke’s intention with his original story was to bridge the gap between the Golden Age of Comics (the 40s) and the Silver Age (1956, which for non-comics aficionados is the year DC revived The Flash).

He also put the JLA’s supporting cast -- Flash, Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter – front and center, pushing DC’s Holy Trinity of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman to the back seat.

In fact, the main character in the GN & the movie is Hal Jordan, AKA "Green Lantern." Because who better than a test pilot (which Jordan was before he became GL) to be the eyes through which we saw the dawning of a new age at the end of the 1950s? His discovery of the Green Lantern ring – one of the signature moments of the Silver Age of Comics – comes near the end of JLNF.

The film, written and produced by Stan Berkowitz, Michael Goguen and Bruce Timm, expertly condenses Cooke's detailed-packed GN. Since there was no way to adapt everything in the book into a 75-minute movie, the opening credits show how most of the DC Comics heroes of the 40s and WWII -- like the Justice Society of America -- were forced to disband as the end of the Nazi threat forced people to look at masked heroes not as saviors but as potential threats to 'normal' people. Superman and Wonder Woman are still working to aid America’s cause, but both have serious concerns about their adopted nation’s questionable policies, that have forced many of their super-powered partners to go underground.

Some die-hard fans of the “New Frontier” GN will bemoan the fact DC war characters like The Losers were omitted and others, like The Challengers of the Unknown, were reduced to cameo status. But the translation from book to dvd works, and doesn’t feel rushed or heavily edited.

Besides, we still get memorable moments like Barry Allen (The Flash) hanging up his costume on national TV. The growing chasm between super heroes and the people they are trying to protect is made perfectly clear.

And the sequence where Martian Manhunter, a shape-shifting Martian tries to learn about the human race from that captivating new invention of the time – television!

We also see Batman lighten up his dark, frightening avenger of the night persona toward a more ‘kid-friendly’ image. A young sidekick, slick new Batmobile, brighter costume – it all mirrored what actually happened in the Bat-comics of the 1960s and the camp classic TV show.

For comic book fans who grew up reading DC books, JLNF puts the early days of the classic DC heroes in a new light. It’s an origin story that slides the well-known histories of famous comic heroes into a bigger, all-encompassing story that’s fresh, exciting and relevant.

The film’s climax, when all the heroes, human and otherwise, from Flash to government spook King Farraday, unite for a common goal against a threat to all mankind, brings it all together. After a stirring speech by Superman, where he finally begins to question the actions of the government he has served in good faith, we see them all walking toward the ultimate battle. Aliens walking side by side with humans, who are next to superhumans. That moment herald’s America’s arrival into one of the most amazing times in human history – the Age of Heroes.

That’s what I call a money shot.

And continuity buffs, it all fits. Cooke’s story ends where it should – at the beginning, with the Justice League of America’s first battle, against Starro.

As with most DC animated adventures, the animation isn’t groundbreaking. It is however, typically frenetic and detailed and faithful to Cooke’s unique renderings of the character, which add to the retro-feel of the story.

And as action sequences go, the massive fight scene is a beaut.

The voice work features stellar performances by actors like David Boreanaz (Green Lantern), Miguel Ferrer (Martian Manhunter), Neil Patrick Harris (Flash), Kyle Maclachlan (Superman), Kyra Sedgwick (Lois Lane), Phil Morris (King Faraday), Lucy Lawless (Wonder Woman) and Jeremy Sisto (Batman).

The metaphors throughout JLNF are powerful – but not all are easy to spot.

It wasn’t until I watched the extras on the Special Features disc (it only comes with the 2-disc special edition, which I recommend) that I realized Cooke’s greatest metaphor.

During the excellent documentary “The Legion of Doom: The Pathology of the Super Villain” (which examines DC’s rich legacy of evil-doers and why they do what they do), Cooke explains the villain at the heart of JLNF – The Centre – is really a manifestation of Communism.

A giant, overwhelming entity that swallows up the individual organisms on its island, forming one monstrous collective, destroying all individuality.

It couldn’t have been more obvious if he would have put ‘Communism’ in a word balloon above an image of The Centre. And still I didn’t see it.

Sheer brilliance. Which also serves as a fitting description to “Justice League: New Frontier.” It’s an animated film that should be required viewing for comic book fans, but also is a perfect introduction to non-fans to show why these characters remain so compelling to so many.

Also, go check out Darwyn Cooke’s graphic novel “New Frontier.” It’s a fascinating read, whether you’re a DC lifer or a rookie reader.

Besides the feature film, the 2-disc special includes the feature “Comic Book Commentary: Homage to the New Frontier” which explains in detail some of the many themes threaded through Cooke’s story. It also explains some of the GN storylines that were abbreviated or cut out of the animated movie.

Plus, “Super Heroes United! The Complete Justice League History.”

Also, there are three episodes of Cartoon Network’s “Justice League Unlimited” series that Bruce Timm picks as his faves.

Due to the violence and some colorful language, “Justice League: New Frontier” is not recommended for younger viewers.

Will Ferrell scored another No. 1 sports comedy. "Semi-Pro" finished tops at the weekend box office with a modest $15 million, dropping last week's Numero Uno "Vantage Point" to 2nd place with $13M.

Check out the rest of the Top 5 after the jump.

In third place, Paramount's kid fantasy "The Spiderwick Chronicles" continues to have staying power with $8.7M. It's been losing only 33% of its audience week to week, proof the family audience keeps coming back.

Strong audience turnout for the salacious period piece "The Other Boleyn Girl" made it the top per-screen earner this weekend. The Natalie Portman/Scarlet Johansson/Eric Bana Henry VIII love triangle scored an impressive $7,118 per-screen average for an $8.3M total.

Bringing up the rear in fifth place is the sci-fi actioner "Jumper" with $7.6M for a $66M total.