New Movies and Box Office Predictions: Drillbit Taylor, Shutter, Meet the Browns

First off, Happy Easter weekend! I hope you all have pleasant family gatherings and that those gatherings translate to some family fun at the movie theaters! What better way to spend some time together than sitting quietly in a darkened room watching a movie? That's right! Probably nothing!

This weekend sports the release of three movies into the deep end of the pool, including a Judd Apatow-produced comedy, a horror remake, and the latest from Tyler Perry. What does that mean? It means the surprisingly good Horton Hears a Who will once again top the box office.

Drillbit Taylor (2008, 102 minutes, PG-13, comedy, trailer) The first Judd Apatow-produced comedy of the year is upon us, the first of many. It seems as if every other comedy has his fingerprints on it somewhere. Not that it is a bad thing, but there is sure to be some backlash soon, even if the films still maintain some level of quality, which I hope they do.

This film is helmed by Steven Brill (Without a Paddle, Little Nicky) and penned by Kristofer Brown and Seth Rogen (Superbad) from a story they collaborated on with John Hughes (Sixteen Candles). The story centers on a trio of high school freshman who need some help dealing with bullies. Enter Owen Wilson as the title character. Much comedy ensues. I think it looks pretty funny, even if there are overtones of a toned down Superbad.

Shutter (2008, 85 minutes, PG-13, horror, trailer) The Asian horror remake march continues. Following January's One Missed Call and February's The Eye, comes this remake of a Thai film. Frankly, it does not look much different than most of the others. If you pay attention to all of the remakes, you are sure to believe all Asian horror tales center on undead spirits with long stringy black hair and make weird noises. This seems to continue the trend, adding in a touch of White Noise.

I cannot say I have high hopes for Shutter, although I am willing to be surprised, as I was with The Eye (it wasn't good, but it was effectively creepy). The remake is the English language debut for Japanese director Masayuki Ochiai. He works from a script from first-timer Luke Dawson. The film stars Joshua Jackson (Dawson's Creek) and Rachael Taylor (Transformers).

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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