PLANET 51

RYAN: "Planet 51" is a new animated film written by the guy who did "Shrek" and directed by some video game directors.

CAROLINE: You know I don't do kids' movies. So lay it on me.

RYAN: It's good.

CAROLINE: ...but what?

RYAN: But nothing. I mean, it's not the best animated movie I've ever seen but it's clever and very cute.

CAROLINE: That's acceptable.

RYAN: Yes. And it's actually one of the first movies I've had the opportunity to take my niece and nephew to - ages 9 and 7 - and they both loved it.

CAROLINE: Well, that is telling, since they are the target audience.

RYAN: Exactly. But really, the premise is great. It's clever, you know, about a human being as the alien on an alien planet. And of course he's misunderstood and feared and all that we'd probably do if an alien came to Earth. And I appreciate the sci-fi angle.

CAROLINE: Who are the voices?

RYAN: Kids movie extraordinaire, Dwayne Johnson, is the human.

CAROLINE: Is there ever going to be a kids movie ever again that he's not in? Or no - will he ever make a non-children's film?

RYAN: With his upcoming "Tooth Fairy" film, I'm sure that's a rhetorical question. Anyway, I like him a lot. He's talented. I've seen most of his movies from "Race to Witch Mountain," etc... and I think he's great.

CAROLINE: Who else?

RYAN: Justin Long, Seann William Scott, John Cleese, Jessica Biel and Gary Oldman.

CAROLINE: Random mix. Was Jessica godawful?

RYAN: She was actually fine in this.

CAROLINE: How long was it?

RYAN: Just an hour and forty minutes. Not bad.

CAROLINE: Well they got that right.

-- BOTTOM LINE --

RYAN: It's not quite a blockbuster-caliber animated film, like "Disney's A Christmas Carol," but it is rather adorable and fun. The music is fabulous. There's enough innuendo and comedy to entertain the older crowd who accompanies the kids to this one. It's not a must see but the kids will enjoy it for sure.

-- RATING --

Box Office Results

1. "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," $140.7 million.

2. "The Blind Side," $34.5 million.
3. "2012," $26.5 million.
4. "Planet 51," $12.6 million.
5. "Disney's A Christmas Carol," $12.2 million.
6. "Precious: Based on the Novel `Push' by Sapphire," $11 million.
7. "The Men Who Stare at Goats," $2.8 million.
8. "Couples Retreat," $2 million.
9. "The Fourth Kind," $1.7 million.
10. "Law Abiding Citizen," $1.6 million.

RYAN: All hail "New Moon."

CAROLINE: Sizneriously. I thought it would maybe do $80. But $140 million? Shazam!

RYAN: The Twilight series has now entered the realm of major motion picture players. It's one thing to make your stars pop culturally relevant; it's another to shatter records.

CAROLINE: It's the fourth highest grossing opening weekend ever. Of course, that never accounts for inflation.

RYAN: That doesn't matter in the movie biz.

CAROLINE: It's so it not worth it.

RYAN: I loved it. Though it's nothing compared to a Harry Potter movie.

CAROLINE: You can say that again. Almost every critic agrees these Twi-movies are very mediocre.

RYAN: It was also the highest opening day of any movie.

CAROLINE: I'm over it. "The Blind Side" also set the record for a sports drama this weekend with $34 mill.

RYAN: How nice for Sandy B.

CAROLINE: You know what's really remarkable though is how amazingly well "Precious" is doing. Really. Thanks Oprah.

RYAN: It's this year's little movie that could, or "Juno," if you will.

CAROLINE: Oh I will. It's getting Oscar buzz.

RYAN: I really hope "The Princess & the Frog" does Disney proud.

CAROLINE: I'm actually looking forward to that too.

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON

CAROLINE: The much anticipated follow-up to "Twilight" is finally in theaters as of midnight last night. Let's talk "New Moon."

RYAN: I really didn't like "Twilight" the movie that much, especially since I'd read the book which was much better. But with "New Moon," I didn't read the book and wound up really liking the movie. I thought it was ten times the movie "Twilight" was.

CAROLINE: Well, let's keep it real - neither of them is a good movie. They're pretty terrible albeit still entertaining. But I was so much more entertained by "Twilight." I loved the forbidden love story and all the teen angst and longing stares in the cafeteria. "New Moon" movie didn't speak to me on that level.

RYAN: I actually connected to the story in this movie more, what with the love triangle and all. Plus, Taylor Lautner is so hot. I can't even.

CAROLINE: Honey, he's 17. You need to settle down. But he did look great shirtless, I'll give you that.

RYAN: When he finally got his haircut, I was like, "Sweet Jesus, what are they trying to do to me?" I either swooned out loud or in my head.

CAROLINE: Several girls at the screening screamed at that moment. His acting was only slightly less atrocious than that of Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson. The first forty minutes of the movie are almost unwatchable.

RYAN: I liked the movie throughout, but Kristen and Rob are both wooden and emotionless. They operate solely on angst. Kristen looks so pretty as Bella though. Her hair, wardrobe and make-up are so great in this movie.

CAROLINE: She's very cute, and Robert P. is hot. I think they did a good job toning down the white vampire make-up in this movie. Though his brother still looks like a freak.

RYAN: The make-up, cinematography and special effects are much improved in this movie. The fight scenes were fantastic. Chris Weitz is just a really good director, even if he can't get performances out of his actors.

CAROLINE: I can't really agree there. It looks like it had a bigger budget than "Twilight," and the werewolf C.G.I. is really cool, but the first half of the movie stinks. The script is terrible, the acting is beyond amateurish and I just couldn't get into it. It picks up in the second half, but is still not a well made movie.

RYAN: I thought it was totally well made. The editing, the soundtrack and the costumes were all great. I was into it from beginning to end. I must have enjoyed this a lot more than you.

CAROLINE: I enjoyed parts of it, but I couldn't help but think without all the hype surrounding this cast, this movie would have been just another piece of crap. It's the Twi-Hards who will make this movie a success. Let's be honest, no bad review is going to keep the fans away.

RYAN: I also want to mention Michael Sheen and Dakota Fanning. They have pretty small parts, and Michael Sheen is always brilliant, but Dakota really surprised me. It's a serious role for her and I was impressed.

CAROLINE: She's fine, but she's only in it for about three minutes. I was expecting more after all the buzz. But the scene she's in is very good.

-- BOTTOM LINE --

RYAN: I'm a convert. This movie could possibly turn me into a Twi-Hard. I'm curious to read the rest of the books now since I liked the movie so much. It's just a really good movie, and I'm impressed.

CAROLINE: I think you're in the minority there. It's an entertaining enough movie, but hard to not laugh at it. I liked some parts, but others were just plain awful. Nonetheless, it's tracking to make at least $80 million this weekend.

RYAN: Now I'm really looking forward to the next one, which comes out next June. Can't wait!

-- RATING --

THE BLIND SIDE

CAROLINE: I was so excited to see "The Blind Side," mainly because of Sandra Bullock. Plus I always enjoy a heartwarming movie; especially when it's based on a true sorry.

RYAN: I just couldn't be bothered to care about this one. It looks so schmaltzy I just had to allow myself to skip it. What did you think?

CAROLINE: It kind of disappointed me. I think it was trying too hard. Sandra B. is very good and totally believable, but the movie... not so much.

RYAN: I was worried this was her desperate attempt to channel Julia Roberts in "Erin Brockovich." How's her bad blonde hair and Southern accent?

CAROLINE: Actually, both are great. She's very convincing in the role of a tough but loving Mom. The story itself is very good - it's about a wealthy white family in Memphis who takes in a poor, uneducated black boy and basically adopts him. He becomes an athlete and now he plays for the Baltimore Ravens. I was so ready to cry and get really into the story, but I never did.

RYAN: Was it very badly written?

CAROLINE: I think that was part of the problem. It definitely felt cheesy and almost After School Special-ish at times. It tackles some good themes, but I never got as into it as much as I thought I would. I didn't even shed one tear; though I did well up once or twice.

RYAN: Please, what's there to cry about?

CAROLINE: It's a touching story! I just wasn't feeling it... mostly because the kid who plays the football player is such a bad actor. I didn't buy him at all. And you can never tell if his character is mentally challenged or just uneducated. He barely speaks for most of the movie. I wish they'd showed us more of his back story.

RYAN: Sounds like you were underwhelmed.

CAROLINE: A little bit, yes. I just don't think anyone would be talking about this movie if Sandy Bullock weren't in it.

RYAN: Anyone else in it worth mentioning?

CAROLINE: Tim McGraw plays the husband but he only has a few scenes. He does have one of the funniest lines in the movie though. And Kathy Bates plays the woman who tutors the football kid. She's great as always.

-- BOTTOM LINE --

CAROLINE: This movie has the feel-good sentiment that's perfect for this time of year; I just wish it was a better film. The characters, especially the main kid, weren't fleshed out enough for me. They touched on a lot of themes and story lines, but not deeply enough. I liked Sandra Bullock a lot, but the movie is only so-so.

-- RATING --

FANTASTIC MR. FOX

CAROLINE: I wasn't interested in this movie because I hate animation; but this one does look a little different and I was a bit intrigued by the voice casting of Meryl Streep and George Clooney. Nonetheless, I couldn't get my game on for it. How was it?

RYAN: It was... eh. It was fine.

CAROLINE: My instincts were good then.

RYAN: But you don't wanna see any animated film so whatever.

CAROLINE: Details, please.

RYAN: The animation here really is quite different from anything we've seen before. It's closer to "The Nightmare Before Christmas" than anything else.

CAROLINE: It does look unique.

RYAN: It must have taken them forever and I enjoyed the color palette and the animals. The animation really is delightful, but the pacing just killed it for me.

CAROLINE: I kind of expect that from Wes Anderson, let's be honest. He also did "The Royal Tenenbaums," which was OK, and "Life Aquatic," which I didn't see. I'm a little over his quirky preciousness.

RYAN: Yes. I really can't stand his sensibility. I've never really loved any of his movies and even though this one is animated/for the whole family, it's still got his stamp on it. I mean, the pacing is so random. From the delivery of the dialogue to the soundtrack - everything is just so awkward. He must have grown up in a very strange family.

CAROLINE: OK, Dr. Freud. Let's psychoanalyze him, shall we?

RYAN: [laughs] Meryl Streep is barely in it. George C. is fine. And there's also Anderson-regulars Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray and Owen Wilson.

CAROLINE: The typical fare. The film is based on a book by Roald Dahl, whom I love. He also wrote Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, my favorite book ever.

RYAN: So good. It's definitely an interesting take on his book. I just wish a different director had been in charge. It might have been more fun or better.

-- BOTTOM LINE --

RYAN: It has a few sweet, romantic moments and a good moral, of course. It's definitely a much better adaptation than "Where the Wild Things Are." But again, it's just off - in the timing and the telling a bit, and that's all Wes Anderson. It's a difficult rating. Maybe rent it. Maybe see it in the theater if you're think the animation looks cool.

-- RATING --

Trailer Tuesdays!

RYAN: Hold on to your hats, Twi-hards! "New Moon" is finally in theaters this Friday, and the trailer does not disappoint.

CAROLINE: I'm really looking forward to this since I unexpectedly really liked "Twilight" last year.

RYAN: Or some former version of yourself did.

CAROLINE: [laughs] Exactly. It made me feel like a teenager again, so I'm excited to see what "New Moon" will bring. More teen angst and lip biting from Kristen Stewart, I suspect.

RYAN: I thought "Twilight" was crap-tastic, but I've been on board for "New Moon" since learning that Chris Weitz had signed on to direct. And after much thought, I've decided I'm on Team Jacob. Sorry, Robert Pattinson - even though you're a "Harry Potter" alum, I think Taylor Lautner is hotter.

CAROLINE: I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with you there. I'm totally Team Edward. He's beyond gorgeous, and there's something about that white vampire makeup that makes him look even hotter.

RYAN: And the haters can say what they will; I still like Little Miss Apathetic, Kristen Stewart.

CAROLINE: She needs to put some gratitude in her attitude. I know being a celebrity has its downsides, but the perks totally outweigh them. Bottom line - this movie is going to be huge and has already sold out in many theaters. Check out the trailer here:

RYAN: Next up is "The Blind Side," which I have zero interest in. It looks like such an annoying turn for Sandra Bullock in her bad, blonde wig. I may have to turn a blind eye to "The Blind Side."

CAROLINE: I'm actually a little bit psyched for this one. I like the whole "based on a true story" angle even though it's a movie about football. I'm sure it'll make me cry.

RYAN: I'm just not interested in this type of movie, and the trailer irritates me more than it engages me.

CAROLINE: I hear you. My first instinct was to laugh at Sandra Bullock's accent and wonder why the hell she was doing this movie. But I'm curious to see her break away from the romantic comedy genre. And I think it's getting pretty good buzz.

RYAN: I'll let you see this one without me. Here's the trailer:

THE MESSENGER

RYAN: "The Messenger" is a new little indie movie from a first-time director starring Woody Harrelson, Samantha Morton and one of my favorite actors, Ben Foster.

CAROLINE: Why do you like him so much again?

RYAN: He's a very intense, subtle actor who I think is totally underrated. And I think he's hot.

CAROLINE: Ah yes, there's that.

RYAN: This is a juicy role for him. He plays a soldier who's forced to work as the dude who goes door to door telling families that their son or daughter was killed overseas.

CAROLINE: Oh, that has to be the worst job ever.

RYAN: Exactly. But it does make for some truly original drama. Those scenes were the best in the film. I actually had wished there were more of them.

CAROLINE: You're a sadist. Sadly, I didn't get to see this one with you. What's the rest of the movie about?

RYAN: There's just a lot of back story for Ben's and Woody's characters, their new, awkward friendship and their baggage.

CAROLINE: How's Samantha Morton?

RYAN: Good. Doughy.

CAROLINE: [laughs] She's a real woman. And such a good actress.

RYAN: Oh wait. Jena Malone is also in it. I've loved her since seeing her play young Jodie Foster in one of my all-time favorite films, "Contact."

CAROLINE: Right, her. I think of her as the girls from "Stepmom."

RYAN: She goes topless in this and I so wasn't prepared.

CAROLINE: Are you ever though, really?

RYAN: Not so much. [laughs]

-- BOTTOM LINE --

RYAN: It's way too long and a bit precious, as to be expected from a first-time director who also co-wrote the screenplay. I've all but sworn off war movies but I appreciated the drama in this one, and tolerated it since we didn't actually have to "go to war." The performances are great and the announcement scenes ultimately make it worth seeing.

-- RATING --

2012

RYAN: I'm so excited about "2012" because the special effects look so amazing... but sadly, I missed this screening with you. I'm sure you would have been grabbing my arm the whole time. How was it?

CAROLINE: Actually, it kind of stank. I was anticipating great special effects too, which it does have; but the script is so bad that the audience was laughing out loud at inappropriate moments.

RYAN: Was it really that poorly written?

CAROLINE: It's just full of clichés and everything you've seen before in a disaster movie. I was never engaged and I didn't really care what happened to the characters, which is never a good thing.

RYAN: That's a problem. But did it ever make you think that maybe this Mayan prophecy could happen? Like, what if this all came true?

CAROLINE: Not really because it was all so over the top with the earthquakes, tsunamis and various other crises. The special effects are amazing and very real-looking, but it's too much. There's never a dull moment but not in a good way. I think I would have appreciated the effects more if they only appeared in a few exciting sequences. But as it is, you're just sitting there thinking, "Oh, another disaster scene. I get it."

RYAN: What a buzzkill. How is John Cusack in the Will Smith role?

CAROLINE: He's fine, but he so clearly did this for the paycheck. It's just not a very good movie. I forgot it the minute I left the theater.

RYAN: I'm seriously disappointed. It seemed like a summer blockbuster coming out in the fall, and I was in the mood for great effects on top of a great story.

CAROLINE: You should still see it if you want awesome special effects. I just think you'll get desensitized to them after a while because almost every scene has them.

-- BOTTOM LINE --

CAROLINE: It's well made and the effects look great, but it's such a weak plot. The fact that the world was ending and people were dying and I didn't care at all was not good. I didn't hate it and I didn't laugh at it, but I sort of understood why everyone else did. I think we've seen this movie many times before.

-- RATING --

Movie News - Hansel & Gretel

RYAN: I don't know if you know this about me but my favorite fairy tale is Hansel & Gretel.

CAROLINE: I'm not surprised. You have a sweet tooth and you love witches, the story has both.

RYAN: And it's been made into videos and movies before but now it's getting a serious makeover from the likes of guess who?

CAROLINE: Dakota Fanning?

RYAN: [laughs] No. But good guess. Will Ferrell.

CAROLINE: Ew. He'll ruin it for you.

RYAN: I know. He's part of a team of producers adapting the story where it will pick up 15 years after it ended in the popular fairy tale.

CAROLINE: So it's a completely original story, based on the famed characters.

RYAN: Right. They're planning an action/horror/comedy where the sibs become witch bounty hunters since being traumatized at the gingerbread house in childhood.

CAROLINE: If Will Ferrell plays Hansel I might have to skip it.

RYAN: I'll have to see this no matter what. I hope it gets made after the writing process. I wouldn't mind seeing the characters as adults, even if it's cheesy as all get-out.

THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS

RYAN: "The Men Who Stare at Goats" is the new George Clooney flick, but the real star is Ewan McGregor, my favorite actor ever.

CAROLINE: I'm sorry, honey, but Ewan was so wrong for this movie. I didn't buy his character at all. And he needs to polish his American accent.

RYAN: What? I'm shocked! I thought his accent was great, and the whole time I watched him, I was thinking, "This is exactly how I want to see him." I loved him in this role.

CAROLINE: Well if it's any consolation, I didn't love George Clooney either. Basically, I didn't like the movie at all. I dozed a few times, in fact.

RYAN: I thought the other stars, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey, were great; did you like them at least?

CAROLINE: Totally. They felt very right in their roles. And the movie does have some funny moments. I just thought the story was weak and disjointed. I know it's based on real events, but they weren't strung together well.

RYAN: I thought it was really funny, especially knowing these ludicrous things the military was doing are true. That made it have much more of an impact for me.

CAROLINE: But they handled it in such a jokey way that it felt like a farce. They should have been exposing the absurdity of it all in a serious way.

RYAN: That's a really good point. I'm not sure why they handled it that way. But everyone just looked like they had so much fun making this movie. And George Clooney is known to be fun on set.

CAROLINE: Part of my issue is probably because I caught an early screening of George Clooney's other fall movie, "Up in the Air," the day after seeing this, and I liked it so much more that it's beyond comparison.

RYAN: I don't know if it's fair to compare two movies just because they share the same star; however, if you just didn't enjoy "Goats," I'll just have to accept it.

CAROLINE: It's definitely a very different movie, but if you're going to see a Clooney film this year, "Goats" is not the one to see. It was just lame. I felt like they took a cool, interesting premise and made a bad movie out of it.

-- BOTTOM LINE --

RYAN: It's a light, comical view of something that really happened in our military and it's pretty shocking. I normally can't stand war or army movies, but this one is a comedy about the paranormal as opposed to a full-out battle movie.

CAROLINE: I thought I would be into it too, but it really disappointed me. It was only half well cast and the story just didn't work. We're gonna have to agree to disagree on this one.

-- RATING --

Trailer Tuesdays!

RYAN: I'm simultaneously excited and scared to see "2012," the new disaster movie from Roland Emmerich. It looks so nightmare inducing.

CAROLINE: I couldn't agree more. The special effects look incredible, but I'm not sure I need to see another apocalypse movie. They're always depressing and they make me have dreams of buildings collapsing.

RYAN: I mean, are we all really supposed to believe that the world as we know it is ending on December 21, 2012?

CAROLINE: It's one of those silly old Mayan prophecies, and if they're as accurate as Nostradamus's predictions, then we should be just fine. Since 2012 is only three years away, I'm sure Hollywood thinks it's a good time to capitalize on the world's fear of The End.

RYAN: I'm not sure we need another disaster movie.

CAROLINE: Totally. I like that John Cusack is in it; but haven't we seen "I Am Legend" already?

RYAN: [laughs] It's a little strange that this movie is coming out during Oscar season; to me it has the look, feel and tone of a summer blockbuster. But I'm psyched to see it nonetheless, even though I don't think John Cusack is a Will Smith type. Check out the trailer here:

CAROLINE: Next up is "Pirate Radio" starring Philip Seymour Hoffman and a bunch of Brits including Bill Nighy. For some reason, this movie doesn't really appeal to me.

RYAN: I'm not interested either. Maybe it's a boy movie.

CAROLINE: [laughs] It's about DJs who broadcast from a boat after their radio station bans rock n' roll, and it should appeal to us given our radio experience. But it's got zero buzz and there are too many other good movies out for me to care about it, even though it's directed by Richard Curtis.

RYAN: I enjoy Philip Seymour Hoffman but he's not the kind of actor I love so much that I'll see anything he's in.

CAROLINE: Apparently this movie has been reworked and re-titled since coming out in the U.K. That doesn't seem like a good sign, but judge for yourself. Here's the trailer:

PRECIOUS

CAROLINE: The much anticipated Mariah Carey/Mo'Nique movie, "Precious," is out in theaters in limited release, and it's been endorsed by none other than Tyler Perry and Oprah herself. This movie has been causing quite a stir in the film community ever since Sundance.

RYAN: I really wanted to see this movie and had heard so much about its dramatic effect, but it's very disturbing. What Precious goes through is absolutely horrendous.

CAROLINE: We've all heard by now about how Oscar worthy Mo'Nique is, which I didn't really see until the very end of the movie. After that, I was like, "Someone hand this woman an Oscar."

RYAN: I thought she was phenomenal throughout.

CAROLINE: Fine, but the other actors were just as good. The girl who plays Precious, Gabourey Sidibe, was great, and Paula Patton as her teacher was simply fabulous, not to mention breathtakingly gorge. Even Mariah was really good.

RYAN: I'll give you Paula Patton and Mariah but I thought Precious was only fair. She has no real acting experience, LBH.

CAROLINE: Exactly my point. She did a great job considering it's her first movie ever.

RYAN: I just thought Mo'Nique was riveting from her very first line. I will be angry if she doesn't get nominated for Best Supporting Actress.

CAROLINE: This movie is a disturbing look at poverty, abuse, incest, illiteracy, teen pregnancy, welfare, you name it.

RYAN: It's such a sad story. It's aggravating, frustrating and terrifying all at once. Can you just please confirm for me that it's not based on a true story?

CAROLINE: It's not; it's based on the novel, "Push." But I think the director, Lee Daniels, is arguing that there are girls like Precious everywhere even though no one wants to acknowledge or accept it.

RYAN: After seeing this movie, I definitely feel like my life has been wonderfully sheltered and protected. It makes you feel pretty lucky that you don't live like this poor girl. This movie goes to deep, dark places.

CAROLINE: It really stays with you. We saw this over a week ago and I still think about it a lot. The overall message of the film is uplifting though, so there is some happiness. But it takes a while to get there.

RYAN: It's definitely not for people who want escapism.

CAROLINE: This movie was actually more well made than I expected. I kept hearing about how it's this small indie with an unknown actress in the lead, etc... but it's quite well done. It looks good and it's shot well.

RYAN: I loved the soundtrack too.

CAROLINE: My only quibble is that it's about twenty minutes too long. It felt like it ended a few times. I thought it was over, but then it kept going.

RYAN: I got a little restless too, about three-quarters of the way through.

-- BOTTOM LINE --

RYAN: Seeing a movie like this makes me realize why I love sci-fi and fantasy so much. I'd rather see a movie about a magical world than such a depressing one. I don't think I'd elect to sit through this movie if I didn't have to. I'm glad I saw it, but I don't want to go out of my way to recommend it because it's just painful to watch.

CAROLINE: Yes, but it's such quality film-making, and the acting was stellar. If there were an Academy Award for Best Ensemble, this would have to win it. Maybe it'll win the S.A.G. Award in that category. I agree that it's hard to watch, and if you went into this movie not knowing what it was about, you would be appalled. But even though it's about abuse of almost every kind you can imagine, it's ultimately such a wonderful story that I think it's worth seeing if you can handle it.

-- RATING --

Box Office Results

1. "A Christmas Carol," $31 million.

2. "Michael Jackson's This Is It," $14 million.
3. "The Men Who Stare at Goats," $13.3 million.
4. "The Fourth Kind," $12.5 million.
5. "Paranormal Activity," $8.6 million.
6. "The Box," $7.9 million.
7. "Couples Retreat," $6.4 million.
8. "Law Abiding Citizen," $6.2 million.
9. "Where the Wild Things Are," $4.2 million.
10. "Astro Boy," $2.6 million.

CAROLINE: As expected, the big animated spectacle, "Disney's A Christmas Carol" took the #1 spot this weekend.

RYAN: I thought it would be a lot higher though.

CAROLINE: It's just so entirely too early for a Christmas movie.

RYAN: But it's never too early for an amazing movie.

CAROLINE: You really need to settle down. Not everyone is as gung-ho about this director as you are.

RYAN: I do wanna see it again in the theater.

CAROLINE: Well you have plenty of time until Christmas.

RYAN: 'Tis true.

CAROLINE: Meanwhile, "This is It" hasn't made $100 million yet.

RYAN: I wonder if it will. It should. People really need to see both of these movies in the theater.

CAROLINE: Barely anybody got out to see "The Box," regardless of Cameron Diaz.

RYAN: Now I'm curious to see it just to find out how bad it really is.

CAROLINE: I think I'll trust the bad B.O. to speak for it.

DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL

RYAN: After seeing "A Christmas Carol," all I can say is, "Now that's a movie!"

CAROLINE: Well, it's an animated movie. I'll give you that. It's in 3D and the animation itself is pretty incredible.

RYAN: It's phenomenal! Robert Zemeckis's technique is so fabulous. The characters look real, and you can see the actors' facial expressions in them. And Jim Carrey gives an amazing performance. If the goal of a movie is to transport you into another world, then this one really does it.

CAROLINE: I don't usually like animated movies, but this one is good. A lot of it has to do with the story; it's such a classic that no one will ever tire of it. I wish they'd gotten to the ghost part quicker. The beginning dragged a little for me.

RYAN: It didn't drag for me at all, but I'm biased because this is from my favorite director, Robert Zemeckis. I appreciate and study every shot.

CAROLINE: Any thoughts on the 3D? It was cool but it didn't wow me.

RYAN: I thought it would be a little more impactful. It was good in the scary moments though, which there are a few of. I think we just get desensitized to the 3D when we're watching movies like this.

CAROLINE: I'm glad you mentioned the scary parts because there are definitely some scenes that would freak out little kids. It's a creepy movie, especially when those Ignorance and Want kids come out from under the ghost's skirt.

RYAN: I loved that about this movie. There were parts that scared me just as much as "Paranormal Activity." But it's a delightful kind of creepy. I think if Charles Dickens were alive to see this movie, he'd be bursting with joy.

CAROLINE: It stayed very true to the story and reminded me of seeing the live-action version when I was younger. I'm a little confounded at this movie's release date though. Don't you think it should be coming in three weeks or something? I'm not ready to hear Christmas carols just yet.

RYAN: That's a good point. I guess they're getting on the bandwagon with all the department stores who are marketing Christmas earlier and earlier every year.

CAROLINE: I just don't want people to resent it. I think I would have liked this movie a little more if I'd seen it in December and was already feeling the Christmas spirit.

RYAN: I, for one, am going to see it again in the theater and I can't wait. Can we talk more about Jim Carrey for a sec? He was so good. And I love that the same actor has now played Scrooge, the Grinch and the evil Count Olaf in the Lemony Snicket movie.

CAROLINE: He voices several of characters in this movie; Scrooge at every age plus all three ghosts. It must have been a lot of work for him.

RYAN: Especially considering Robert Zemeckis's technique of filming the actors and then animating over them. I also really liked Gary Oldman as Bob Cratchit. Robin Wright Penn has a little part too.

CAROLINE: Also listen for Cary Elwes and Colin Firth.

-- BOTTOM LINE --

RYAN: It's a spectacular movie and a must see on the big screen in 3D. I can't say enough good things about it. It's a perfect movie.

CAROLINE: I think you're taking it a little too far. It's enjoyable, but to me no animated movie can compete with a live-action one. They even have a whole separate category at the Oscars.

RYAN: I just think this is the kind of movie they could re-release around the holidays every year. I'd totally go back to the theater and see it again ten years from now. How many movies can you say that about?

CAROLINE: I obviously didn't enjoy it as much as you did, but I did like it and I thought it was quite good as far as animated movies go. But it had the built-in great story already, so that helped. The animation is incredible; it's amazing what they can do these days. So, as much as I'm capable of enjoying an animated film, I enjoyed this one.

-- RATING --

THE FOURTH KIND

RYAN: I was so excited to see the new sci-fi thriller, "The Fourth Kind," because I love both this genre and Milla Jovovich.

CAROLINE: When I first saw the trailer for this movie, I thought it looked intriguing; especially the way she addresses the camera and talks about how the movie is based on real stories, etc. It looked so freaky that it kind of grabbed me. But then I decided it was too freaky for me to see, so I sent you to the screening alone.

RYAN: I was so ready to see an über scary movie for a change, but sadly this isn't it. It made me jump twice, but other than that, it's just stupid.

CAROLINE: I can't say I'm shocked. They're trying to do that whole "This is based on real events" thing and it's hard to buy it - especially since it's about alien abduction. It seems like they're trying too hard to scare us or something.

RYAN: I am totally willing to suspend my disbelief and contemplate the possibility of alien abduction, and I'm sure there are people who truly believe that aliens have taken them in the night. But could have made this movie truly terrifying, and instead it's just cliché and cheesy.

CAROLINE: How's Milla?

RYAN: She's pretty good. But the weird thing is that she comes out as herself at the beginning, just like in the trailer, and announces that parts of the movie is re-enactments and that other parts are actual recordings and footage... but it's clearly not true. I think they were trying to pull a Blair Witch on us and "sell" to the audience that this was the real footage of people who claim they've been abducted. Practically the whole movie is split screen with Milla and the so-called real footage. I was like, "Why not just make a documentary then?"

CAROLINE: It sounds like a cheat.

RYAN: It's such a cheat. You can tell how fake the "real" moments are. There's no way this stuff was really caught on tape because if it was, it would be all over the news and we'd all be afraid to go to sleep at night. It's a total hoax of a movie and I don't think anyone's going to buy it.

CAROLINE: Let's be honest, the scary movie of choice right now is "Paranormal Activity." Poor Milla doesn't stand a chance.

RYAN: If this movie had come out before "Paranormal Activity," maybe it could have stood a chance. But it's so bogus; I just can't see anyone liking it.

CAROLINE: Are there any cool special effects at least?

RYAN: The effects are OK, and there are a couple of genuinely creepy moments where I jumped out of my seat. But most of the parts are just trying to be scary with music and editing. At the end of the day, "Misery" is still scarier.

CAROLINE: I love that that's your yardstick for scary movies.

-- BOTTOM LINE--

RYAN: High school kids might like this, but for anyone who's a true fan of sci-fi or is really looking to be scared, this movie is a total waste of time.

-- RATING --

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY

RYAN: We've finally seen the greatly hyped "Paranormal Activity." It only took us a month.

CAROLINE: I was trying to avoid it since I really don't enjoy horror movies, but we just couldn't ignore this one. Maybe it's just because we've heard over and over how scary it is, but... it wasn't that scary.

RYAN: Thankfully, I suppose. We don't want nightmares. But remember those commercials where they showed footage of audiences watching the movie and they were all screaming? I don't really get it; we didn't scream once.

CAROLINE: True, but I definitely got nervous and grabbed your arm a few times. There are some genuinely freaky moments, but they are few and far between. The whole movie is a slow burn. It didn't get remotely scary till about an hour in. But I think a lot of that is because we were expecting to be super terrified.

RYAN: I just kept hoping to see something more happen. The anticipation is exciting, but things just didn't happen quickly enough. And when it gets scary, it's very fast. I'd say there were about two truly freaky moments.

CAROLINE: And they were freaky. But I found the ending a little unsatisfying. Like you, I wanted something more; a twist or a big reveal. More understanding of why this was happening to them, or what the cause of it was. It's clear early on in the movie that this girl is being haunted, but it doesn't go much further than that.

RYAN: I wanted to see something more physical. But the actors are all pretty good. You can tell there was no script and that they were improvising off an outline. At one point I thought I could see the girl almost laughing inappropriately, but mostly they were all very natural. And the lead guy is cute.

CAROLINE: No one in it is famous, but they were all believable. This movie was shot three years ago and after making a splash on the festival circuit, Paramount bought it and was going to remake it with big stars. But they didn't, which is really cool for the actors and the director. Steven Spielberg liked it so much that insisted the movie be released as it was; though he did change the ending.

RYAN: Too bad he couldn't help out Drew Barrymore's train wreck of a movie, "Whip It."

CAROLINE: Ouch. Seriously. I wouldn't say I didn't like "Paranormal Activity," but I was definitely expecting more. That's part of the problem with seeing a movie after it's been hyped for so long. I was expecting to be truly scared, and I wasn't.

RYAN: I love that it didn't rely on horror clichés though - there's no editing or music that's there just to make you jump.

CAROLINE: There's very little music in the movie at all. It's shot in a verité style, and is presented as real footage that the police found, even though we all know that's not true. But kudos to writer/director Oren Peli who came up with the concept and shot the movie in his own house for only $11,000. It's grossed more than $80 million!

RYAN: Some of the special effects were pretty good too, and as we watched it we were like, "How did they do that with no money?" I'm impressed.

CAROLINE: Yeah, the last few minutes were pretty cool, especially what happens on the second to last night. It's something you'd expect from a high-budget studio horror movie. But I didn't love the ending. I think it's better than the original ending, which I saw on YouTube, but there's an alternate ending I read about that would have been even better.

-- BOTTOM LINE --

RYAN: I'm a little disappointed by this movie even though I know it's mostly because of all the hype... though I still don't think I would have screamed out loud like the audience members do in the ads. We've definitely seen scarier movies in the last couple of years, like "The Strangers." This movie more just makes you anxious. I liked it, but I didn't love the ending.

CAROLINE: I really don't enjoy horror movies, but it was fun to see this one because it's the Little Movie That Could for 2009. I was impressed by the acting; it felt very real. I'm glad we saw it, but I was expecting to be more scared. Maybe we needed to be surrounded by terrified fans in the audience to really feel the fear.

RYAN: Yeah, we only had a few people in our audience. But it's worth seeing in the theater for the surround sound and the communal experience.

-- RATING --

Trailer Tuesdays!

RYAN: It's a serious Trailer Tuesdays this week, people. It's November, and the big guns are coming out. I know we've already seen many versions of "A Christmas Carol," but this one is from my favorite director, Robert Zemeckis, so it's bound to be amazing.

CAROLINE: Yes, but it's animated. I'm so over it. But I know you're very excited.

RYAN: It looks absolutely incredible. It's in the same style as Zemeckis's previous films, "Polar Express" and "Beowulf," and it's in 3D. I'm so psyched for it.

CAROLINE: It stars the voice of Jim Carrey, doing his best Eddie Murphy in that he plays all four of the main roles. I love this story, of course, but the whole animated thing doesn't work for me. I've always liked Jim Carrey though, so maybe that will help me suffer through this.

RYAN: It looks like an animated movie on steroids. And they actually shoot the actors and then animate over them, so it's kind of like Jim Carrey is in the movie. I'm telling you, the effects are so cool you're gonna love it. Here's the trailer:

CAROLINE: Next up is "The Fourth Kind," a thriller starring Milla Jovovich, who seems to be making a name for herself in this genre.

RYAN: I dig that about her. I think she's tough. This trailer is freaky and intense.

CAROLINE: I'm not sure I can see this movie because of how creepy the trailer is. I don't really want to put myself through it. I just saw "Paranormal Activity" with you, so that might have to be my horror movie for the week.

RYAN: I'm over scary movies that aren't that scary, so I'm hoping this one delivers. I challenge this movie to scare me, and I'm looking forward to seeing it. Check out the trailer here:

CAROLINE: Next we have "The Men Who Stare at Goats" featuring a cast of fabulous Oscar-winning types like George Clooney and Kevin Spacey along with Jeff Bridges and your favorite, Ewan McGregor.

RYAN: At first I was only into this movie because of Ewan, but now I think it looks really funny after seeing the goat fall over in the trailer.

CAROLINE: It's all about the bizarre paranormal techniques that the military has used over the years, and it's based on a true story. I'm hoping it's more funny than political. Here's the trailer:

RYAN: Lastly, we must mention "Precious," which has already generated a lot of Oscar buzz and comes out in limited release this weekend. Oprah said she couldn't even speak after seeing this movie. What more do you need to know?

CAROLINE: I'm excited for it, but I hope it's not over-hyped. It's based on a book about an obese illiterate girls in 1980s Harlem, and is apparently very graphic and sad. Everyone is surprised to hear that the comedienne Mo'Nique gives an Oscar worthy performance, but apparently she does.

RYAN: And it's also got Mariah Carey sans make up. I can't wait to see it. Here's the trailer:

THE BOYS ARE BACK

CAROLINE: You know how I love Clive Owen, so I was very excited to hear he had a new drama out, "The Boys are Back." The beauty of it all was that I got to attend a screening with Clive himself doing Q&A afterward. He was great, but the movie... not so much.

RYAN: Oh no, really? Were you so disappointed?

CAROLINE: I'd hoped it would be great, but it was very slow and almost boring. It's certainly well made; it's from director Scott Hicks, who was also there for the Q&A. But I'd read so much about how it's such a heart wrenching, amazing film and I really didn't see that. It's not bad, but it's not great either.

RYAN: Clive plays a free-spirited dad or something?

CAROLINE: Yes, he's a dad who loses his wife suddenly and tragically, and I thought I would get really emotional about it, but I didn't. The movie just didn't grab me for some reason.

RYAN: I'm sorry, honey. Is Clive good at least?

CAROLINE: Of course! It's a well made movie and all that, but I just wasn't feeling it. Basically, Clive's character is left to raise his son alone, and then his other son from a previous marriage moves in. I was prepared for a touching, poignant and heart warming movie, and even though it had its moments, it wasn't all that. I didn't even shed a tear.

RYAN: Oooooh. That's not good. Let's be honest, you'll cry at Oprah.

CAROLINE: I know! It was a bad sign. It just didn't move me the way I'd expected it to. And given that this movie came out in limited release a month ago and has zero buzz, I'd say others are feeling the same way.

RYAN: How were the kids?

CAROLINE: One's really cute, and the other is sort of a moody teenager. It has all the elements of a good movie, including a potential love interest, but it didn't deliver. I'm not sure what was missing, but it kind of dragged. I hate to even say that about a Clive Owen movie, but I must.

RYAN: Maybe it was an issue with the screenplay.

CAROLINE: That's possible. Though it's not like Scott Hicks has directed anything that praiseworthy since "Shine" thirteen years ago, LBH.

RYAN: I just thought Clive would pick a better movie.

CAROLINE: I think they all thought they were making a good movie. There are definitely some sweet moments with the kids and it's shot really well. I just wasn't emotionally engaged.

-- BOTTOM LINE --

CAROLINE: I really wish I could tell everyone to run to see this movie and that there's gonna be tons of Oscar buzz for it, but sadly I cannot. I think it's going to get lost in the shuffle of Oscar contenders this fall. It's not a tragic mistake for Clive Owen, but he needs to pick his roles more judiciously next time.

-- RATING --

Box Office Results

1. "Michael Jackson's This Is It," $21.3 million.

2. "Paranormal Activity," $16.5 million.
3. "Law Abiding Citizen," $7.3 million.
4. "Couples Retreat," $6.1 million.
5. "Saw VI," $5.6 million.
6. "Where the Wild Things Are," $5.1 million.
7. "The Stepfather," $3.4 million.
8. "Astro Boy," $3.04 million.
9. "Amelia," $3 million.
10. "Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant," $2.8 million.

RYAN: Though it only made $21 million this weekend in the US, "Michael Jackson's This is It" made over $100 million worldwide.

CAROLINE: Of course it did. And it should. I thought it would have done better even here but apparently not.

RYAN: It's such a great movie, a real celebration of his talent. I even feel like I could see it again.

CAROLINE: It was almost like being at a great MJ concert, without all the drama, fans screaming, passing out.

RYAN: [laughs] I know. What was up with that?

CAROLINE: Are you gonna get the DVD when it comes out?

RYAN: Probably.

CAROLINE: We finally saw "Paranormal Activity" to find out what all the hype is about and it scored well again this weekend.

RYAN: It has made over $85 million dollars already. That's bananas.

CAROLINE: Interestingly, "Amelia" is actually on the chart this week.

RYAN: I'm amazed no one is seeing that film. What a flop.

CAROLINE: Next weekend should be kicked into high gear with "A Christmas Carol."

RYAN: Can't wait!!