This week's new movie releases - May 26, 2011

This week is one of sequels. Only two major films will open this week, and they are both follow-ups to successful Hollywood blockbusters. Oh, and before I forget, you can already check out both of these flicks on Thursday. I'm only looking forward to one of these.

THE HANGOVER PART II, with Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms

Todd Phillips created one heck of a hilarious comedy with "The Hangover," and although I have not seen this sequel yet, I must admit it feels good to know the boys are back. This time, they take the fun to Bankok, where they're in for a bunch of trouble.

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Watch the first teaser for 'Kung Fu Panda 2'

Yes, "Kung Fu Panda 2" is happening, and it's coming closer fast. The release for the Jennifer Yuh-helmed sequel is set for May 26, 2011, and the folks at Yahoo! today unveiled the first teaser trailer.

Watch it below. Not much going on here, except for a staring contest. Jack Black returns to voice Po, and the voice cast also includes Gary Oldman, Seth Rogen, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan and David Cross.

I was not impressed with the first "Kung Fu Panda," but hey, I'm willing to give this one a shot anyway. It's opening in 3D, so get your glasses on. In the sequel, Po heads out to discover his mysterious origins.

Watch the new trailer for 'Gulliver's Travels'

Rob Letterman's "Gulliver's Travels" opens in 3D Dec. 22, 2010, and a brand-new feature trailer has debuted online. You can check it out below, if you dare... Alas, it doesn't exactly look like a big winner.

In the adventure, a writer named Lemuel Gulliver (Jack Black) travels to Bermuda for an assignment and discovers a hidden island with tiny inhabitants. Billy Connolly, Jason Segel and Emily Blunt co-star.

My two cents on this trailer: although this thing boasts a great cast, it already looks pretty boring. Black doing his thing used to be funny, but this looks rather lame. I'll walk into this with low expectations.

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Mark Waters to direct 'Mr. Popper's Penguins'

Mark Waters is in talks to direct the big-screen adaptation of Richard and Florence Atwater's children's book "Mr. Popper's Penguins" for 20th Century Fox. Sean Anders and John Morris wrote the screenplay.

The story of the book follows Mr. Popper, a house painter whose life takes a major turn when he receives a real penguin in the mail. He then receives a female one too, and soon, he's in charge of 12 penguins.

Variety says Jim Carrey, Jack Black and Owen Wilson are loosely attached to the project. Waters' credits include "Freaky Friday," "Mean Girls," "The Spiderwick Chronicles" and "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past."

Jones, Huston join 'Big Year' comedy

The cast of David Frankel's upcoming comedy "The Big Year" is growing as the film heads into principal photography. Rashida Jones, Anjelica Huston, Rosamund Pike, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Anderson and Tim Blake Nelson are all jumping on board, joining Steve Martin, OWen Wilson and Jack Black.

Also part of the project are Jim Parsons, JoBeth Williams, Brian Dennehy and possibly even Kevin Pollak and Joel McHale. "Big Year" follows three dudes launching into a bird-watching competition. The film is based on Mark Obmascik's book "The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature and Fowl Obsession." (Variety)

Steve Martin to watch birds in 'Year'

Steve Martin will join Owen Wilson and Jack Black in David Frankel's comedy "The Big Year," which follows three dudes launching into a bird-watching competition. The film is based on Mark Obmascik's book "The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature and Fowl Obsession."

Howard Franklin wrote the script. Frankel, who also helmed "The Devil Wears Prada," recently directed "Marley & Me." Martin, who co-hosted the Oscars last weekend, last starred in "It's Complicated." (Source: The Hollywood Reporter)

'The Proposal' scores $12M at Friday box office

Anne Fletcher's charming romantic comedy "The Proposal" debuted at the No. 1 spot at the North American box office with an estimated $12.4 million in ticket sales from 3,056 locations.

Starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, the film follows an overbearing book editor who blackmails her assistant into marrying her after she faces deportation to Canada. Betty White co-stars.

At No. 2, Harold Ramis' mediocre comedy "Year One" took home $8.5 million from ticket sales at 3,022 locations. Jack Back and Michael Cera star as two cavemen who are banished from their tribe and embark on their own big adventure.

Last week's box office champion "The Hangover" slipped to third place Friday, scoring $8.4 million. The Todd Phillips-directed comedy brought its domestic gross to a solid $134.5 million.

Following at No. 4 was Pixar's "Up," which collected $6.2 million for a total of $208.8 million. Tony Scott's "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" finished fifth, pulling a daily gross of only $3.2 million for a cumulative gross of $35.2 million.

Source: Box Office Mojo (www.boxofficemojo.com)

'Year One' web reviews

Jack Black and Michael Cera play two cavemen who go on a big adventure in Harold Ramis' comedy "Year One," and here is what the Web's critics have to say (read my review here):

• Joblo's Jenna Bush: "The film has very little narrative, and what there is seems to be dumped half way through."

• Cinematical's Jeffrey M. Anderson: "Black is a good reason why most of this works."

• CinemaBlend's Josh Tyler: "'Year One' has no point, no purpose really other than stick Jack Black and Michael Cera in loincloths so they can wander around in front of the camera."

• Latino Review's Ron Henriques: "I absolutely can not recommend this film, but I felt a little sad because it had some potential."

• Brad Brevet at RopeOfSilicon: "Ramis racked up the talent to give this story a run, but it never got out of the starting gate."

• Matt Goldberg at Collider: "Without any memorable humor, story, or characters, 'Year One' is a pointless endeavor and offers us nothing we haven’t seen or heard somewhere else before."

Movie Review: “Year One”

Seen on: June 17, 2009

The players: Director: Harold Ramis, Writers: Gene Stupnitsky, Lee Eisenberg, Harold Ramis, Cast: Jack Black, Michael Cera, Oliver Platt, David Cross, Hank Azaria

Facts of interest: Ramis also directed "The Ice Harvest," "Groundhog Day" and "Analyze This."

The plot: Jack Black and Michael Cera play two idiotic cavemen who are banished from their village and embark on a long voyage to dangerous places.

Our thoughts: Jack Black and Michael Cera travel back in time in Harold Ramis’ latest comedy “Year One,” but sadly enough, their big-screen journey across ancient times isn’t exactly as hilarious as it sounds. The recurrence of cheap, brainless humor and the lack of a proper story line cause plenty of damage to the plot, putting the film’s chances to score with large audiences in serious jeopardy.

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This week's new movie releases - June 19, 2009

This week, we're only looking at two wide releases: Harold Ramis' comedy "Year One" with Jack Black and Michael Cera; and Anne Fletcher's "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds:

THE PROPOSAL

Synopsis: Sandra Bullock is a Canadian immigrant who is a demanding and difficult boss. Upon discovering she's about to be deported, she rushes into a marriage of convenience with her young assistant (Ryan Reynolds) to prevent the catastrophe.

First thoughts: Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds both have the ability to deliver solid performances, and I sincerely hope "The Proposal" gave them decent material to work with. To be honest with you, I'm not quite sure what to think about this one.

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