man of the year Tagged Articles at Cinematical

Just in case you missed them the first time around, here's a round-up of what we (and you!) have been talking about on Cinematical this week:


HOT TOPICS!

Disney Insider: Orlando Bloom Won't Survive Pirates 4? (139 comments!)
Avalanche of Animated Adventures Alienates Audiences (87 comments!)
Julia Roberts Set to Eat, Pray, Love (36 comments)
Quickhits: Pitt Plays With State, Berg to Helm Tonight, and About Those Deathly Orlando Bloom Rumors (28 comments)
Cinematical Seven: Horror Films That Really Scare Me (27 comments)
Film School: Is it Necessary? (11 comments)
The Punisher Is Coming Back! (11 comments)
Christopher Guest Pimps VW as Nigel Tufnel (8 comments)
Chris Nolan Says No to the Penguin (7 comments)
Monday Morning Poll: Is the Sleeper Hit Dead? (7 comments)
When Partnerships Make for Great Filmmaking (6 comments)
Digital Transforms Movies (5 comments)
Deliver Us From Evil Stirs Prosecutor's Interest in Cardinal Mahony (4 comments)

More, much more, after the jump ...

The biggest problem with Man of the Year is that, much like American Dreamz, which came out earlier this year, it simply doesn't seem to know what genre it aspires to be. It's not quite thrilling enough to be a political thriller, nor is it dark enough or funny enough to be a black comedy or political satire. My viewing partner at the screening the other night made the observation that it's almost as if somebody figured that Jon Stewart is hot, people aren't happy with our politicians (are we ever, really?) and that a film about a political humorist like Stewart running for and winning the presidency would get butts into seats.

Toss in little intrigue around a glitch in the spandy-new computerized voting system designed to replace the Era of the Dangling Chad, add Robin Williams, mix with some "serious" cred from Laura Linney, Christopher Walken, and Jeff Goldblum, and what's not to like? Unfortunately, a lot of interesting cinematic ingredients all tossed together don't always make for a delectable, filling meal, and such is the case with this tepid film.

Man of the Year Heads to Rehab!

After a solid 20 years of sobriety, Robin Williams slipped back into a nasty relationship with the bottle recently. However, the actor decided to check himself into rehab before things got out of hand, and resulted in Williams spewing anti-Death to Smoochy remarks during a routine traffic stop. If all goes well, he'll be back in the swing of things this fall as he prepares to promote the upcoming Man of the Year, in which he stars as, well, the man of the year.

Madonna Quits Acting!

Yes, you heard that right -- Madonna has decided to give up acting ... forever! Not because she doesn't like appearing in films. Oh no, she's just fed up with the way people automatically assume her acting in a movie spells disaster. Says Madonna, "How can any film survive if everyone says it's going to be a flop from the very day the project is even conceived?" Heck, I don't know -- perhaps you should ask Uwe Boll that question. Fear not fans, the singer-turned-actress will continue to spit out crappy albums for the rest of eternity.

Lou Diamond Phillips Arrested!

After responding to a domestic disturbance early Friday morning, police arrested Lou Diamond Phillips for allegedly attacking his live-in girlfriend with a La Bamba DVD ... full-screen version! (Okay, I added that last part on in order to sneak in a La Bamba reference. On second thought, is La Bamba even available on DVD? If so, anyone want to admit owning it?) According to authorities, problems began when a verbal argument between Phillips and his girlfriend turned physical. Released on his own recognizance, it doesn't appear Phillips will have to Stand and Deliver his side of the story to a judge any time soon.

While throwing together this week's Trailer Park, I couldn't help but think back to one of my favorite Wonder Years episodes. See, I was a fanatical Wonder Years fan growing up. I don't think there will ever be another set of characters from a television show with whom I connect with so well. That's right, Kevin Arnold is, and will always be, my childhood hero. Admit it, you're right there with me.

Okay, so if you, like me, are a huge fan of The Wonder Years, then you should immediately remember the episode in question upon reading the following sentence: "Give me some men who are stout-hearted men, who will fight for the right they adore." Did you get it? Glee Club? Season 3, episode 16? A classic! Anyway, the following films are all about men -- stout-hearted men -- who stand up for what they believe in and refuse to give up until the job is done. Well, except, one of them is a tad on the feminine side ... but he's still driven by his passion to succeed. And that's what counts. Welcome to this week's Trailer Park: