Movie Review: "Cars 2"

Seen on: June 15, 2011

The players: Directors: John Lasseter, Brad Lewis, Writers: John Lasseter, Ben Queen, Cast: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer

Fact of interest: The character of Finn McMissile was originally written in the first flick as the lead in a movie Lightning and Sally see at the end.

The plot: Best Friends Lightning McQueen and Mater head off around the world for a series of big races. On the trip, Mater gets mistaken for a spy, and troubke ensues.

Our thoughts: It’s summertime again, and that inevitably means we're in for another masterpiece from the creative geniuses at the Pixar animation house. With 11 films under their belt already,  and every single one a critical and commercial smash hit, expectations run sky high with each new offering.

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This week's new movie releases - June 24, 2011

It's time for the return of Pixar! The creators of some of cinema's greatest animated flicks are back in theaters with a sequel this weekend, while Cameron Diaz goes all bad in a new comedy written by Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg. Let's take a closer look.

CARS 2, with the voices of Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy and Michael Caine

Yes, the talking cars are indeed back for a second adventure, as Pixar's "Cars 2" aims at taking over the box office all while keeping cinemagoers energized and happy. While I am not a fan of sequels in the world of animation, I admit I keep my expectations high for this one.

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Watch this new clip from 'Cars 2'

Care for another clip from Pixar's upcoming animated sequel "Cars 2"? Go right ahead and check it out after the jump. This footage focuses on Lightning McQueen's first meeting with his new rival Francesco (John Turturro). Nothing too special going on here.

Helmed by John Lasseter and Brad Lewis, the sequel to the aninmated hit flick follows McQueen as he teams up with his best friend Mater for an international adventure as they go up against the world's fastest cars. Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy star.

 "Cars 2" opens June 24, 2011, and while I loved the first film, I am not quite convinced of this sequel's potential. Pixar better hit us with a big surprise on the screen.

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Movie Review: 'Midnight in Paris'

Seen on: May 30, 2011

The players: Director: Woody Allen, Writer: Woody Allen, Cast: Owen Wilson, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Michael Sheen

Facts of interest: Carla Bruni, France's first lady, plays a museum guide in a supporting role.

The plot: Gil (Owen Wilson) is a successful, yet uninspired Hollywood screenwriter traveling with his disillusioned finance (Rachel McAdams) and her family to the French capital for business. While working on his first novel, Gil comes across various mental hurdles.

Our thoughts: Woody Allen is often criticized for being stuck in the past. The early 20^th-century Windsor font he uses for the opening titles in virtually every one of his films, coupled with the ever-present classic jazz music not only immediately identifies the films as Allens', but it harkens back to times long past, no matter what the premise of the films are.

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Here's a new clip from Pixar's 'Cars 2'

Lightning McQueen is back in action, and here is a new clip to prove it. Pixar's "Cars 2" opens June 24, 2011, and if you can't wait for some racing, check out this new excerpt right after the jump. It features McQueen as he battles his Italian rival. Ready to race?

Helmed by John Lasseter and Brad Lewis, the sequel to the aninmated hit flick follows McQueen as he teams up with his best friend Mater for an international adventure as they go up against the world's fastest cars. Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy star.

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Trailer for 'How Do You Know' debuts online

The first trailer for James L. Brooks' new romantic comedy "How Do You Know" has debuted online, and you can check it out after the jump. The film stars Paul Rudd, Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson.

Written by Brooks, the film stars Witherspoon as a woman caught in the middle of a love triangle. Rudd and Wilson are the ones fighting for her heart. Supporting cast includes Jack Nicholson.

I can't say I'm in love with this trailer, but I'm glad it doesn't show too much. Brooks hasn't done anything since his "Spanglish" in 2004. He also helmed "As Good As it Gets." "Know" opens Dec. 17, 2010.

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'Little Fockers' gets a so-so teaser trailer

Jack and Greg are back! Paul Weitz's "Little Fockers" is set to open in theaters Dec. 22, 2010, and a first teaser trailer for the upcoming comedy sequel is now online and you can check it out right after the jump.

To add my two cents right away, I admit this first preview didn't exactly impress me a lot. I'm a big fan of the two previous films in the series, but for some reason, this doesn't look very funny or original to me.

But who knows, maybe they just want to keep the funny stuff for the movie. The cast, at least, is promising, with Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Blythe Danner, Teri Polo, Oweb Wilson and Barbra Streisand returning.

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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."

Adrien Brody cast in Woody Allen film

Adrien Brody, who will next be seen in the horror thriller "Splice," has joined the cast of Woody Allen's upcoming film "Midnight in Paris." Owen Wilson, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates and Michael Sheen are already on board. The film jumps into production this summer.

Specific details are unkown, but The Hollywood Reporter says the story follows a family traveling to Paris. More specifically, the party "includes a young engaged couple forced to confront the illusion that a life different from their own is better." Yes, that sounds quite interesting to me at this point.

Brody, an Oscar winner, will also soon be seen in "Predators." As for Woody, he's got "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" hitting theaters soon. As far as I'm concerned, I still have to check out his last film "Whatever Works" to catch up.

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)