Movie Releases, 3/3

This week, Richard Donner returns behind the director's chair for the first time since 2003's Timeline. The movie is 16 Blocks, starring Bruce Willis as a cop trying to escort witness Mos Def to a New York courthouse. But there are some people who don't want that to happen, led by baddie David Morse.

The Matrix-y, Fifth Element-y, and probably Resident Evil-y Ultraviolet also opens, starring someone who was in two of those three films, Milla Jovovich. Look for high octane action--although the look of the film looks a little off-putting. Kurt Wimmer directs; he did the cult fave Equilibrium a couple of years ago.

And did we need a sort of pseudo-updating to Splash? Aquamarine, which I stress is not a remake, stars pop star JoJo and Emma Roberts as sisters who stumble on the titular mermaid played by Sara Paxton. Look for all of the conventions of the genre, kind of like E.T. and Short Circuit, not to mention, uh, Splash.

Also, appearing in a sort-of wide release is the return of Dave Chappelle in what appears to be a concert film featuring some of his stand-up and a whole lot of musical guests including Kanye West and the reunion of the Fugees. Mos Def appears too, so he'll be competing against himself this week. It's Dave Chappelle's Block Party, and Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, one of the best of the decade) directs.

Also, not appearing at my theatre, but will finally make it to Nashville, will be the long-awaited Night Watch, or Nochnoi Dozor for all the Russians out there. I've seen some not-so-favorable reviews of this--it does appear to be a movie that lends itself to a kick-ass trailer (which this one has). But I'm still going to try to watch it.

I think this is going to be a solid weekend business-wise. There's something for just about everyone here.