The Red and Black

Issue date: 8/28/08 Section: News

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'Hamlet 2'

Rating: R
Comedy
Starring: Steve Coogan, Catherine Keener, David Arquette, Amy Poehler and Elisabeth Shue

From the co-writer of "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut" and "Team America: World Police," comes "Hamlet 2," featuring the relentlessly ambitious Dana Marchz (Coogan) and his attempts to redefine the art of theater. The actor-turned-high school drama teacher composes a politically incorrect, outrageous play that snags all of Tucson, Arizona's attention.

Prediction: With an unusual script, quirky characters and a comedic style off the beaten path, "Hamlet 2" will likely refresh audiences looking for something new to laugh about.

'Babylon A.D.'

Rating: PG-13
Thriller
Starring: Vin Diesel, Michelle Yeoh, Mélanie Thierry, Lambert Wilson and Mark Strong

Based on the novel, "Babylon Babies," by Maurice G. Dantec, "Babylon A.D." features Toorop (Diesel) as a veteran-turned-mercenary who must escort a woman from Russia to America amid a post-apocalyptic, fragile world. Toorop risks his life for the woman who happens to host an organism a cult needs to create a genetically altered Messiah.

Prediction: "Babylon A.D." will be great for those into films involving a quest for a genetically-modified Messiah, if you're into that kind of thing. If all else fails, watch Vin Diesel save the world - one flexed muscle at a time.

'Disaster Movie'

Rating: PG-13
Comedy
Starring: Matt Lanter, Vanessa Minnillo, Gary "G-Thang" Johnson, Nicole Parker and Crista Flanagan

Written and directed by the satirical minds behind the "Scary Movie" series, "Disaster Movie" follows an unassuming group of 20-somethings for a night of endless, mysterious and catastrophic missteps - asteroids and earthquakes included. The film spoofs the bloated blockbuster, poking fun at everyone from Iron Man to Hannah Montana.

Prediction: Here's to hoping this movie's title didn't choose its own destiny, but even so, it may serve as a potential relief to those baffled with the reign of pop culture in our everyday lives.

'Traitor'

Rating: PG-13
Thriller
Starring: Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Sa'd Taghmaoui, Neal McDonough and Aly Khan

U.S. Special Operations officer Samir Horn (Cheadle) becomes the focus of the CIA when he is found to be the link to several terrorist organizations. "Traitor" unveils an intricate plot as FBI agent Roy Clayton (Pearce) leads the investigation into Horn's suspicious ties to a dangerous international conspiracy.

Prediction: A highly politicized film that will leave moviegoers analyzing its sprawling twists and turns long after the credits run.

- Jennifer Paxton

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