The Scorecard Review

Quickcard Review

Religulous

Directed by: Larry Charles
Starring: Bill Maher
Running Time: 1 hr 41 mins
Rated: R

Mug. That’s the key to Religulous … which, by the way took me WAY too long to finally pronounce correctly. It was like staring at Scarlett Johansson … I knew I was supposed to get “it,” but I wasn’t seeing what everyone else was.

Back to mug, which can pretty much equal Maher for the duration of this film. He’s front and center leading the way to create an understanding of why and how people believe what they do. Maher says he simply doesn’t know the answers. That’s his religion, the unknowing. And he attempts to investigate why others believe what they do with an open mind, but it’s Maher. He mugs.

And most everyone who sees Religulous ... Continue Reading

The mastermind behind films like Trainspotting, 28 Days Later, the underrated Sunshine, and the newest, Slumdog Millionaire, Danny Boyle introduces himself with a big genuine smile and a firm handshake. When he starts talking, (immediately, about his take on British toilet humor), he has the intrigue and charm reminiscent of a nice chap at the pub who loves to tell stories. In a cozy room at Chicago’s wonderful Hotel Sax, Boyle discussed with great enthusiasm his latest and possibly best achievement, Slumdog Millionaire.

The film is a unique take on the concept of the underdog that, with amazing visuals and storytelling, catapults us headfirst into the life on the streets of Mumbai, India. Slumdog focuses on a young man named Jamal, whose life story is incidentally told through the questions he ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, NOVEMBER 14-16, 2008

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Quantum of Solace (Sony / Columbia)
$70.4 million | 3,451 | $70.4 million | 1

2. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (Paramount (DreamWorks))
$36.1 million | 4,065 | $118.0 million | 2

3. Role Models (Universal)
$11.7 million | 2,798 | $38.1 million | 2

4. High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Buena Vista)
$5.9 million | 3,202 | $84.4 million | 4

5. Changeling (Universal)
$4.2 million | 1,896 | $27.6 million | 4

Source: www.boxofficemojo.com

Just as you would expect, Bond broke records. I predicted last week that it would pass Casino Royale’s opening weekend. But even I am a little surprised by $70 million.

Next week will be very interesting with Bolt and Twilight coming into play. It could be ... Continue Reading

We start the Top 7. You finish the Top 10.

I’m going to stick my neck out and say this list will be something you can really sink your teeth into. It will be your cross to bear if you don’t read it. OK, those are all the awful vampire puns I could muster. More importantly, Twilight fandom is upon us, so before we are all blinded by dreamboat Edward Cullen, let’s sift through the millions (seems like it) of other vampire films that Hollywood has made.

This list focuses on the last 25 years of blood sucking. So if you are looking to reminisce over the brilliance of Nosferatu from 1922, it probably feels like I stabbed you in the heart (with a wooden stake). And I want to offer Jim ... Continue Reading

With leaves changing, the weather cooling and football fully caked into the air (and weekend plans) it’s time to start thinking ahead of the spend your time in the theaters.

Here’s a quick guide to October movies, but before we get to that, let’s talk about the biggest disappointment this fall. “Saturday Night Live.” Currently 0-2, with Michael Phelps and James Franco hosting the first two episodes there has been one great sketch (Tina Fey as Sarah Palin), and one great idea (James Franco as Agent 420). That’s it. How could they not spend the entire summer thinking and planning? If nothing else every single season premiere should have a sketch of all the things they missed making fun of during the summer.

The good news … Anna Faris is hosting 9/28 ... Continue Reading