A Major Upset & A New Face

The Jerry Bruckheimer / Disney collabaration "G Force" knocked Harry Potter from the top spot of this weeks box office. I have a feeling that will change this upcoming weekend with the release of the Adam Sandler/Seth Rogan/Judd Apatow movie "Funny People." However the next major release on the docket is "G.I. Joe - The Rise of Cobra" on August 7th. The more previews I see the more jacked up I am getting about this movie.

I know a majority of fans would be upset if Paula Abdul is not on American Idol next season, but with the music industry in flux and lower ratings last season, I am beginning to wonder if Idol has run its course. In other Idol news, I am extremely happy for Daughtry. The new album is awesome and is at the top of the charts. Justification for a guy who finished fourth to a top two who do not have a label at this time. My condolences to the family of Idol tryout Alexis Cohen, who died in a car accident over the weekend. Her potty mouthed rant againt Simon Cowell two seasons ago was a highlight.

My hats off to Danny Ferry for getting Jamario Moon under contract. This forward from Miami could be just what the L-Train ordered. His defensive skill set is way better than any of the other forwards (besides LeBron) that we had in the Orlando series last year. Shaq looks in shape for the first time in years and we now have a guard in Anthony Parker that can spell Mo and Delonte without any falloff in production.

I know that Top 10 lists are cliche, but what the hell:

My Top 10 Favorite "Under The Radar" Movies:

10 - Reign Over Me - This Adam Sandler / Don Cheadle drama is not what you expect from Adam Sandler. It is very poignant and touching. The story of a man who lost everything in the 9/11 attacks when his wife and kids were aboard one of the planes that crashed in to the World Trade Center. Sandler portrays a man sent to the brink and Cheadle portrays the best friend who brings him back. A definite must see.

9 - The Girl Next Door - This is the new coming of age comedy for this generation. Emile Hirsch stars as the guy who never did anything until he meets the new girl next door, the always unforgettable Elisha Cuthbert. She shows him how to have fun and adventure until he finds out about her former career and ends up having to make a decision - the girl of his dreams or his future.

8 - Be Cool - Great cast and a truly fun flick. The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) steals the film as the gay bodyguard to an over the top gangster wanna-be played by an equally funny Vince Vaughn. How can you beat a cast led John Travolta, Harvey Keitel, and Uma Thurman (Pulp Fiction all star team).

7 - Deja Vu - This Denzel Washington time travel movie was an unexpected surprise. With a great supporting cast, including Val Kilmer, this film moves at a frenetic pace from start to finish, with Denzel going back in time to try and stop a madman.

6 - Clerks 2 - A lot of people were pissed off that Kevin Smith would sell out his masterpiece. I was not one of them. This movie was hilarious from start to finish and provided an ending worthy of the acclaimed filmmaker. Thanks Kevin - I am forever a fan.

5 - National Lampoons Van Wilder - This movie is one of the greatest underdog comedies of all time. No critic or fan paid any attention to this movie in the theaters, but it found a huge fan base on DVD. Ryan Reynolds is the best comedic actor of our generation. The story of the greatest 7 year collegian in history, this movie is truly a gem.

4 - Glory Road - Another one of those great Disney sports movies, this one follows the Mighty Miners of West Texas with their coach Don Haskins uniting to overcome the fear and bigotry to reach the NCAA Mens Basketball Championship. A gem of a movie lead by the always great Josh Lucas.

3 - Love Actually - The ultimate romantic comedy and where I found respect for the comedic skills of Hugh Grant. Nuff Said.

2 - Green Street Hooligans - From the Shire to the mean streets of England, Elijah Wood give the performance of a lifetime as a Harvard student framed by his roommate during a drug bust and taking off to visit his sister in England, only to be pulled in to the phenomenon of the soccer hooligan lifestyle. He learns to stand on his own two feet and stand with his friends.

1 - Beautiful Girls - The perfect cast set against the perfect backdrop - your 10 year high school reunion. How much has changed and where does your future lie? Natalie Portman steals the movie from the great cast as the girl next door with the youthful crush on the conflicted Tim Hutton. Above all, this movie has heart and shows the true meaning of friendship.

Hope you take a chance on just one of these movies and I'll see ya next week.
Ryno

This Blog Is The Opinion Of One Guy And Does Not Reflect On Any Member Of The Entertainment Industry