The Smalls Movie TV and DVD News

So the reviews are in, and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is – as far as I hear – a real turkey.  There is no doubt that it will make millions of dollars, but at what cost?  Our personal tastes?  Our tolerance for crappy movies?  Our eyes and ears and all that is holy?  Who knows.  If you MUST see it, go.  I’ll probably go as well (sigh).  But is there anything more disappointing than an action movie, that we expect to be bombastic and shallow, to hit an all time low of terribleness?

But the biggest movie news of the week has to do with the OSCARS.  Now up to TEN movies can be nominated for BEST PICTURE.  TEN!  So hopefully we’ll get more great films recognized, from smaller character driven films to Transform… – just kidding.  But seriously, the best picture category did need this shot in the arm.  Every year it’s been the same layout of films – your historical epic, your fantasy film, your drama – and usually the big moneymakers.  Lets see if the Academy nominating committee doesn’t screw this chance up.

Controversy arose yet again with the release of the trailer for The Last Airbender by M. Night Shyamalan.  Based on the hit cartoon series Avatar, this movie adaptation caught a lot of flack for Night’s choice to cast mostly Caucasian actors for roles previously believed to be Asian.  With the release of the trailer, apparently fans of the show are frustrated all over again.  Thoughts?  Feel free to jump to out forums to comment!

This week’s DVD releases include Pink Panther 2 and the two-disc (!) Special Edition of Confessions of a Shopaholic.  Also on DVD – and perhaps more enticing to watch – are Inkheart and the Academy Award Nominee Waltz With Bashir.  For film nerds, Criterion is releasing Last Year at Marienbad on Blu-Ray – this Alain Resnais classic is a must for any student of film.

We do wish to say farewell to Michael Jackson – legendary performer and enigmatic public figure.  Passing away at 50, it just feels too early.  The music he has left behind is incredible, and though his legacy is not unsullied, we think people will ultimately remember him as someone who did everything to entertain the world.

‘Til next time…