NOTE: In a revival of this "classic" Friday feature, Courier-News reporter Mike Danahey guesses how much beer (or other beverage of choice) it might take him to pay money to see a recently-released movie. His opinions are based on trailers, ads and advance hype.
Here are some of the movies opening the weekend of Friday, June 18...
Toy Story 3
So Buzz and the gang wind up at a day care center, which for toys would be like us being sent to a nursing home, I guess. The script is by the same guy who wrote the quirky indie hit "Little Miss Sunshine," which means it could be subtly subversive. It's in 3D because, bless their little hearts, moviemakers want to get parents to spend as much as they can at the Cineplex.
Adult rule: If you are single, go see this at one of the later shows when the kids should all be in bed. That way, if you wind up crying, none of them see what a wimp you are. Also, it's just plain creepy for a single adult to go into a movie house packed with kids. It reeks of Michael Jackson, and though it's close to the anniversary of his death, heading to a packed kids' flick is not the way to mark the occasion, however ironic that might seem.
Beer rating: A couple A&W Root Beers.
Speaking of A&W (this is Readers' Reporter Emily McFarlan, here), this video "explains" what that stands for -- and was one of those viral videos my friends and I thought was HILARIOUS in college...
"Jonah Hex" and "Cyrus," after the jump.
Jonah Hex
OK, so I am gonna write a comic book just so I can get a movie deal. Yeah, this is another flick for the fan boys. It looks like an old Clint Eastwood movie on meth. The soundtrack is by the metal band Mastodon. I think if I see this my eyes and ears will bleed and I will wind up smelling like the mix of nerd, stoner and fat guy emanating from the rest of the audience.
Beer rating: A six pack of Lone Star.
Cyrus
Speaking of "Little Miss Sunshine," this limited release film has "indie hit" written all over its odd little promos. John C. Reilly plays a dude dating Marisa Tomei, whose chubby grown son (played by Jonah Hill) should have moved out of the house already. Creepy hilarity ensues.
Beer rating: The hipsters drink PBR, so I will go with a pitcher of that.
WHAT?! You were looking for a REAL movie review? Our Sun-Times Media colleagues Roger Ebert at the Chicago Sun-Times and Josh Larsen at the Naperville Sun do a swell job at that.
-- Mike Danahey, Staff Writer
Wonderful to read!
Good piece. I know this is not quite on subject, but I would like to add that this site theme here is pretty cool. Is there a name or something? I do not know where to look.