Here in Columbus, March came roaring in like a lion (or Olive from Little Miss Sunshine) with some heavy rains that, just like snow, could threaten to shut down the entire city. Thankfully all of my movie screenings were earlier in the week and I was able to get the scoop for you, my lovely readers, before mother nature had her say. In March there is much to anticipate as we may finally break free of the slump that was January and February at the movies. This week brings with it a few decent releases, which made it tough for me to make a pick, but next week promises to be even better with the release of 300. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s look at what you should or shouldn’t be braving the weather for this weekend…

Pick of the Week

Wild Hogs
Running Time: 99 min. Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual content, and some violence.
A ha! I bet I had you fooled this week. Everyone and their brother (and my brother, for that matter) though that Zodiac would easily be my pick of the week. But despite the fact that I enjoyed Zodiac (see below), Wild Hogs turned out to be the surprise comedy of the year thus far. While that may sound big, remember that we have drudged through some of the worst flicks of the year in the past 2 months. Wild Hogs has a decent cast, is intelligently written and gets enough laughs to be pretty entertaining. Go in expecting nothing and you will walk out with a smile on your face.
Read my entire review
Grade: | Trailer

Also out this Week

Zodiac
Running Time: 160 min. Rated R for some strong killings, language, drug material and brief sexual images.
Director David Fincher is good, damn good at creating an intense experience leading up to a killer ending. But what happens when he takes on a subject that has no clear ending? The result is a film that still has tension, and despite the fact that it is the longest film I have seen since The Good Shepherd, I found it to be interesting. Fincher’s cast is solid, his style is in full force and his attention to detail make Zodiac something fresh and exciting, despite a its length.
Read my entire review
Grade: | Trailer

Full of It
Running Time: 93 min. Rated PG-13 for sexual content, drug references, teen partying and crude humor.
I left the screening of this film smiling — and salivating at the thought of tearing it to shreds. Full of It is only 2 letters away from being the most honestly titled film of the past 10 years. I will allow you to draw your own conclusions from there. Let’s just say that this flick gets my stamp of disapproval. If you go and see it, then I will no longer accept you as my beloved reader.
Read my entire review
Grade: | Trailer

Black Snake Moan
Running Time: 116 min. Rated R for strong sexual content, language, some violence and drug use.
Of course the film that I was most looking forward to was also the only one of this weekend’s releases that I did not see. Samuel L. Jackson’s second movie in as many years with the word “Snake” in the title seems to be a step up in maturity and quite possibly a step towards more real critical acclaim. It is the sexy story of a nympho (Christina Ricci) who lands on the doorstep of a God-fearing bluesman (Jackson) who aims to cure her of her “wickedness”. The trailer alone is delicious, with a scantily clad Christina Ricci writhing around, chained to the wall. It is one of those movies that you have to see to understand, and I aim to understand it some time this weekend. I would suggest you do the same.
Trailer

And there you have it, once again. Plenty of nymphos, serial killers and middle aged biker wannabes to keep you occupied this weekend. Just take my advice and stay away from the trite teen flick. As always, which movies you see is up to you, but don’t say I didn’t warn you…