Critics were predictably tough on X-Men Origins: Wolverine, but I preferred it to all the other hyper-budgeted blockbusters of the summer (with the possible exception of Harry Potter 6, though I'm still not happy about the elision of Dumbledore's funeral). Gambit could have been better conceptualized, but Hugh Jackman owns the role of Wolverine more than any actor owns any superhero role. Granted, that's not exactly saying a whole hell of a lot, but still -- he fucking rocks it. Jessica Biel + English Period Comedy = Better Than You Might Think. Of course, Colin Firth smoothes all edges so it may not be such a grand accomplishment. Grace = worst movie I saw at the Sundance Film Festival. Avoid at costs unless you love zombie babies! more ›

District 9 is generating the sort of low-level buzz that is often the sign of an unexpected, breakout hit. Thank God, the plug got pulled on Halo or District 9 never would have been made. Also, thank God that the increasingly on-the-nose Peter Jackson didn't direct it. Davis Guggenheim isn't nearly the documentary filmmaker that a Kirby Dick or an Errol Morris is, but the subject matter of It Might Get Loud kept me enthralled (LAist review here). What Zeppelin fan wouldn't love to see Jimmy Page not only play with The Edge and Jack White but show off his record collection, too. Not sure what to make of The Goods. Critics are torching it, but someone compared it to Wet Hot American Summer which was only incredibly hilarious and inventive. more ›