Another Fine Fall Friday

I heard somebody point out yesterday that this year's Saw film was a complete flop and the series is on it's last leg. Ok now, that's one of my favorite series of all-time so maybe I took it a bit personally, but I just found it a bit comical that Saw V had a $10.8 million budget and it's grossed $46,962,317 (domestic only) and $53,498,941 (worldwide) so far. I'm not business genius but that seems like a pretty good profit to me and if that is considered a flop, I wish my savings and my 401K would both flop like hell. The entire 5 movie series has brought in a lifetime gross of $332,726,146 at the theaters alone. Show some respect! Yes, there will be another Saw next year and I wouldn't be surprised if there are a couple more. And I'll be there if so.

And there's this from Variety: Sylvester Stallone has written the script and will direct an action-adventure movie to star him and Jason Statham called The Expendables. Jet Li is also in talks to join the cast as well. Holy crap! Stallone, Statham and Li all together?!? And dig this, the plot centers on a team of mercenaries on a mission to overthrow a South American dictator. Oh yes, there will be beatings my friends. Can't wait!

So on to this weekend's new releases:

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

The Plot: In the sequel to Madagascar, Alex the lion (voiced by Ben Stiller) and his friends board an NYC-bound plane (that's been "repaired" by their penguin pals), only to find themselves touching down in the African plains. It's an opportunity for the animals to encounter their own kind for the very first time, and to discover, while various plots play out, what "home" truly means to each of them.
My Thoughts: The trailer just oozes cuteness. I liked the first one personally, this should be just as fun.



Role Models

The Plot: Unsavory behavior forces a pair of energy-drink reps (Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott) to enroll in a Big Brother program, where the duo learn, however reluctantly, to bond with their assigned kids.
My Thoughts: I really like Paul Rudd in Knocked Up and Sean William Scott is goofy but usually pretty comical. This looks like nothing special but probably good for a few laughs.



Soul Men

The Plot: Though it's been some twenty years since they have spoken with one another, two estranged soul-singing legends (Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac) agree to participate in a reunion performance at the Apollo Theater to honor their recently deceased band leader.
My Thoughts: Looks like a another good comedy team but the previews don't really get me too interested. R.I.P. Bernie Mac.

House

The Plot: A freak accident strands a couple on a deserted back road in Alabama. Happening upon the Wayside Inn, they meet another couple -- victims of a similar accident -- and thus begins a game enacted by a killer known as the Tin Man. Can the couples survive the night, knowing the only "safe" way out of the inn is to kill one of the four of them?
My Thoughts: This is an adaptation of the best-selling novel from Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti, so if it's anything like The Invitation (more "Christian horror") then it's gonna blow. Pass.