2007: Year of the Threequels
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007) -vs- Spider-Man 3 (2007) -vs- Shrek the Third (2007) -vs- Ocean’s 13 (2007) -vs- Rush Hour 3 (2007) -vs- The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) -vs- Resident Evil 3 […]
May 2007
Spider-Man 3 (2007) -vs- Superman III (1983)
The Smackdown Since more ink is being spilled on Spider-Man 3 than the Bible these days, we thought we’d reach back for our Smackdown, almost a quarter-of-a-century to 1983 for Superman III. Here we have […]
Lucky You (2007) -vs- Rounders (1998)
The Smackdown Leading a directed life–or just being happy–is hard enough without being complicated by some pesky obsession. Now, throw in a quirky twist or two and you describe the structure of many dramas that […]
The Fountain (2006) -vs- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
The Smackdown If a filmmaker sat down in a producer’s office and rambled on about prehistoric ape battles, Mayan/Judeo-Christian theology, homicidal computers, oncology miracles, cosmic fetuses, and Heaven-bound bubble spaceships, he’d probably be shown the […]
28 Weeks Later (2007) -vs- Aliens (1986)
The Smackdown Of course it would be easier to smack 28 Weeks Later up against the film that gave birth to it, 28 Days Later, but most conventional reviews are already doing that. It could […]
Next (2007) -vs- Blade Runner (1982)
The Smackdown What a luxury in life– and the movies– to get a “do over.” No mistake remains uncorrected, no last word is ever really final. That’s how it is with the most celebrated screen […]
Children of Men (2006) -vs- 28 Days Later (2003)
The Smackdown The apocalypse has gone post(al) in both of these films set in England. The action in both starts in London then moves to the country, where the living is not easier. In both […]
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) -vs- Carmen (1983)
The Smackdown Spain has given us an Inquisition by which all others are measured, funding for the voyage of Columbus, a compelling Civil War, tapas culture and a growing Spanish cinema. Although Smackdown would never […]
Fracture (2007) -vs- Primal Fear (1996)
Both “Fracture” and “Primal Fear” are high-concept legal thrillers that are helmed by the same director, Gregory Hoblit. Both films also pit charismatic up-and-coming actors against venerable movie icons who have been acting longer than their young co-stars have been breathing on this planet. Lastly, both movies feature a movie ending plot twist. However, one twist will have you clapping your hands because of its beautiful artistry and the other will have you smacking your face because of its absurdity. Read further to find out which is which…unless you’re ok with smacking yourself in the face. […]
Spider-Man 3 (2007) -vs- Spider-Man 2 (2004)
The Smackdown After facing responsibilities while battling an eight-armed mad scientist, what more can Peter Parker learn by confronting a vengeful best friend, a sandy common criminal, and a disgruntled photographer overtaken by alien goo? […]