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Seen on: October 6, 2009

The players: Director: Peter Billingsley, Writers: Dana Fox, Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Cast: Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Faizon Love, Kristin Davis, Kristen Bell, Malin Akerman, Jean Reno.

Facts of interest: None.

The plot: Four couples travel to a resort on a tropical island and soon realize they are forced to partake in therapy sessions.

Our thoughts: “Couples Retreat” is a totally forgettable comedy. There, I said it. It’s neither refreshing nor really funny, spending more than 100 minutes focusing on four simpleminded couples incapable of dealing with the problems in their relationships. Despite a couple of decent moments, this one’s a big drag, folks.

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Tuesday

06Oct2009

This week's new movie releases - October 9, 2009

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 6:19PM | By

It's a quiet weekend, and the only wide release to open Friday is "Couples Retreat" with Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Jason Bateman, Kristin Davis, Faizon Love and Kristen Bell. "Good Hair' opens in limited release.

COUPLES RETREAT (with Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau)

Synopsis: Four Midwestern couples embark on a journey to a tropical island resort. While one of the couples is there to work on their marriage, the other three set out to jet ski, spa and enjoy some fun in the sun. They soon discover that participation in the resort's couples therapy is not optional. Suddenly, their group-rate vacation comes at a price.

First thoughts: To be honest with you, I don't know what to think about this one right now. The premise of course sounds funny, and the cast sounds great too. That said, recent previews and TV spots failed to win me over, as this looks just like another silly couple comedy filled with rather primitive humor.

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Friday

25Sep2009

Jason Bateman not yet in for 'Hancock 2'?

Friday, September 25, 2009 at 9:21AM | By

Earlier this month, news came out of Hollywood that Columbia hired Adam Fierro and Glen Mazzara to write "Hancock 2." It was then reported Will Smith, Charlize Theron and Jason Bateman would return for the sequel.

As it turns out, this is not entirely true. When speaking with Coming Soon recently, Bateman at least said no one has contacted him yet about reprising his role in the follow-up to the disastrous "Hancock."

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Thursday

10Sep2009

Interview: Mike Judge on 'Extract'

Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 8:29PM | By

Just recently, I had the chance to participate in a brief round-table interview with writer/director Mike Judge, creator of "Office Space," "Beavis and Butt-Head" and "King of the Hill." He was in town to promote his latest comedy "Extract," and here's the most important stuff we talked about.

Describing "Extract," which opened nationwide last week and stars Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis and Ben Affleck, Judge said, "It’s like 'Office Space' but this time it’s sympathetic to the boss, the guy who owns the place."

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Wednesday

09Sep2009

Amazing trailer for 'Up in the Air' with George Clooney debuts

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 1:11PM | By

It has finally landed online: a special internet trailer for Jason Reitman's upcoming drama "Up in the Air," based on Walter Kirn’s novel of the same title. Check it out after the jump. It arrives via /Film.

Let me first say that this one blew me away. It's different from regular trailers in that George Clooney basically narrates the whole thing via a speech he gives in the movie as the lead character.

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Sunday

06Sep2009

Review: “Extract”

Sunday, September 6, 2009 at 3:21PM | By

Seen on: August 12, 2009

The players: Director: Mike Judge Writer: Mike Judge, Cast: Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig, Ben Affleck, J. K. Simmons

Facts of interest: Mike Judge also directed "Office Space" and created "Beavis and Butthead."

The plot: Joel (Jason Bateman) is an extract plant owner who's having big problems at home and at work.

Our quick thoughts: Mike Judge, creator of “Office Space,” returns to the big screen with “Extract,” a deliciously funny comedy about a desperate white-collar guy who just doesn’t know how to handle his troubles at home and at work.

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Friday

04Sep2009

'Extract' web reviews

Friday, September 4, 2009 at 5:20PM | By

Mike Judge, the creator of "Office Space," heads back to work with "Extract," a new comedy starring Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig, Ben Affleck, Clifton Collins Jr. and J.K. Simmons. Find out what some of the Web's film critics have to say about "Extract" right after the jump.