Opening in theaters everywhere this weekend, the animated fuzzy animal martial arts extravaganza, Kung Fu Panda. Featuring the voice talents of folks like Lucy Liu, Jackie Chan and Randall Duk Kim, it's one of things you hear about Hollywood doing, and just roll your eyes. Surprisingly though, it's been getting some glowing reviews, with an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Sigh. Not only will it make truckloads of money this weekend, it will no doubt inspire countless kids across the country to kung fu kick each other. Parents, expect some Kung Fu Panda-inspired injuries this summer.
Briefly spotted Alec Mapa in the trailer for You Don't Mess With the Zohan, also opening this weekend. It looks pretty awful. Nothing against Mr. Mapa, I don't think any amount persuasion will get me to this movie. Did I mention that Rob Schneider is in it? Yeah.
In limited release, the Academy Award-nominated Genghis Khan epic Mongol. Starring Tadanobu Asano, it was Kazakhstan's Oscar entry for Best Foreign Language film, and tells the story of the early life of the slave-turned-conqueror. I haven't seen it, but it does look pretty cool.
And don't forget, Sean Baker and Shih-Chin Tsou's indie film Take Out opens in New York this weekend. It doesn't yet have the full spread of reviews, but it currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.