Call for Papers: Director Spotlight: Orson Welles

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The Other Guys

Director: Adam McKay
Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne Johnson, Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton, Steve Coogan
6 August
The Other Guys


Adam McKay is a pretty consistent comedy mind. After the one-two punch of Anchorman: The Legend of Rod Burgundy and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, he had a slight stumble with the hit or miss Step Brothers. Now he’s got favorite funnyman Will Ferrell teaming up with Mark Wahlberg as a pair of ineffectual cops who must take over for a couple of NYC’s Finest (played by Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson). While the premise has promise—as does the casting—it will be up to McKay to lend the proceedings a farcical focus that a vehicle like this often lacks.


 

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Step Up 3D

Director: Jon Chu
Cast: Rick Malambri, Adam Sevani, Sharni Vinson, Alyson Stoner
6 August
Step Up 3D


More dance dreariness (this time, amplified by Tinseltown’s latest money grab gimmick) as the gang from that high profile Maryland School of the Arts find themselves in the City of Light. A missed flight and a stolen routine gets hunky hoffer Moose immersed in the seedy world of Paris underground dance competitions. Aside from the backdrop, sounds like every other installment in this “movement is misunderstood—and amazing” genre. Expect a big opening weekend (especially among tweens to 25-year-olds) and some added firepower from the 3D. After that, it’s a lifetime of reruns on MTV2.


 

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Middle Men

Director: George Gallo
Cast: Luke Wilson, Giovanni Ribisi, Gabriel Macht, James Caan
6 August
Middle Men


Luke Wilson stars in, what several reviews have hinted at, is one of 2009’s most ingenious and shocking comedies. Why haven’t we heard of it until now? Well, just like The Human Centipede (or perhaps, more directly, the gay-themed Jim Carrey vehicle I Love You, Philip Morris), it’s had a near impossible time finding someone who would champion its release. Apparently, the Internet-themed narrative has mobsters, mayhem, and some miscreant behavior that’s bound to make audiences blush. The poster makes it look like a sexier update of Mad Men. Based on what we have read, it seems closer like a smut spiked take on the world behind the World Wide Web.


Since deciding to employ his underdeveloped muse muscles over five years ago, Bill has been a significant staff member and writer for three of the Web's most influential websites: DVD Talk, DVD Verdict and, of course, PopMatters. He also has expanded his own web presence with Bill Gibron.com a place where he further explores creative options. It is here where you can learn of his love of Swindon's own XTC, skim a few chapters of his terrifying tome in the making, The Big Book of Evil, and hear samples from the cassette albums he created in his college music studio, The Scream Room.


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