Step Brothers - This movie is exactly what you thought it was (Talledega Nights minus NASCAR), but probably a little longer than you expected -- it takes its time with what should be a fairly simple denouement. But it is funny -- especially if you like watching grown men act like twelve year-olds (and who doesn't?). You even get to see Will Ferrell's scrotum -- is that a draw or what? Other notes: Mary Steenburgen looks great for 55! Watch for inconsistencies between the movie and the trailer! Rob Riggle's "POW" schtick was not funny.
Dillbit Taylor - This one is an entirely forgettable movie that feels like a misconceived combination of the Bad News Bears and the Big Bounce. Owen Wilson plays a homeless nitwit who cons three dorky high schoolers into hiring him as a bodyguard to protect them from an unrealistically zealous bully. Nothing to see here, folks. Please move along. Suffice it to say, this one will not be on Owen Wilson's Oscar post-mortem highlight reel. Other notes: I know that Danny McBride is supposed to be the next "it" comic actor, but, in my opinion, there's not much there; Why does poor, wonderful Leslie Mann only appear in her husband's productions? She needs to break free; and finally, shame on you, co-writer Seth Rogen! Pineapple Express better be good enough to make up for this crap.
Tell No One (Ne le Dit a Personne) - A very good thriller about a man who's haunted by evidence that his wife, long thought to have been murdered, is still alive -- you can read Aaron's excellent review here. Much of the film has the feel of the Fugitive, but there are plenty of plot-bending, conspiracy-laden bits that make it unique. I didn't think it was as convoluted as Aaron did, but it certainly tests your patience. Other notes: Bree was especially touched by this one (tears twice, arising from the husband and wife tragedy); I was certainly affected, but alas, no waterworks; Nice turn by Kristin Scott Thomas as the protagonist's sister's wife -- who knew she was fluent in French?
Cloverfield - I heard many mixed reviews on this one, but after finally seeing it on DVD, I must admit I was mildly entertained. The acting was generally horrendous , especially from the guy holding the camera (though I thought Jessica Lucas was OK). However, the effects and scene design were decent and adequately nerve-agitating to keep me interested and kind of on-edge throughout. It was essentially a mix of Godzilla and and Miracle Mile through the lens of the Blair Witch Project (no pun intended), with a little Saving Private Ryan thrown in for gravity. It's also amazingly short, so even if you don't like it, you will not feel like you wasted your time.
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