Amazon Daily

Following up on our earlier post about super-critic Roger Ebert, this story came to us courtesy of Ben of the Amazon Earworm blog.  Ebert says he's going to attend his Ninth Annual Overlooked Film Festival, even though he's not looking pretty.  More power to him, I say.  --David, Amazon Screening Room

Though it won't hit bookshelves until October, the early reviews for Stephen Colbert's I Am America (And So Can You!) are in. Well, one is. And it's written by the author himself. What's the word? "A powerhouse. I laughed. I cried. I lost 15 pounds." Three out of three Amazon.com customers agree, inlcuding Boston's own "Meow House."

First impressions of upcoming movies, based on trailer (Click on the title to watch the trailer: You may need QuickTime for most)


Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (dir. David Yates) It's the full-length theatrical trailer (previously you just saw a teaser) and what do you get? More Hermione and Ron (who sadly, had little to do in HP4) More Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes, who strangely still looks handsome without a nose), and more wand-vs.-wand battles galore. And who better to play the despicable Dolores Umbridge than sweet-looking Oscar nominee Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake)? If there's one thing this franchise hasn't missed on yet, it's impeccable casting. (Jul. 13)





The Bourne Ultimatum (dir. Paul Greengrass): I admit the very first Bourne Identity trailer had me laughing. Matt Damon doing roundhouse kicks? Puhleez. Since then, both Bourne Identity and the superior Bourne Supremacy have turned into highly profitable, no-gloss, under-the-radar blockbusters. Damon and director Greengrass are back, as is Joan Allen's CIA contact (seriously, if you want one woman keeping the government honest, you get Joan Allen.) I'm pleased with the addition of David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck) but what is Julia Stiles still doing in this franchise? And why is she dying her hair in the sink all short and cropped just like Franka Potente's in the first movie? Still, it seems our Bourne gets his memory back, and we can't wait to find out what it is. (Aug. 3)





El Catante (dir. Leon Ichaso): If you read too much Us Weekly, you'd think Marc Anthony was some kind of husband/lapdog/Svengali to wife Jennifer Lopez. In real life, he's a powerhouse of a charismatic performer with his share of acting credits (most recently Man on Fire), perfect to play the "King of Salsa" Hector Lavoe in this biopic. Here's hoping he's able to prove he's more than just Mr. J.Lo these days. Produced by Lopez, who also plays Lavoe's wife, El Cantante is the first independent film she's done since... well, My Family (Mi Familia). (Aug. 1)





Hairspray (dir. Adam Shankman) After Dreamgirls' successful box office, another Broadway hit comes to the big screen. Only instead of ingenue Jennifer Hudson we have ingenue Nikki Blonsky. Instead of dashing singing idol Eddie Murphy we have High School Musical's Zac Efron (the level of dashing-ness depends on whether you're over or under the age of 12). Instead of devious Jamie Foxx we have Michelle Pfeiffer, and instead of bootylicious Beyonce, we have John Travolta in drag. Also around for the fun: Queen Latifah, James Marsden, and Brittany Snow (American Dreams).(Jul. 20)

- Ellen, Amazon Screening Room

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