Ed Helms Takes Over From Chevy Chase in the New 'Vacation'

So, I do love the original Vacation, but isn't it striking how this trailer is basically trading entirely on the memory of jokes and clips from the original movie? I know they make the self-conscious references to what they're doing in the movie (ala 21 Jump Street), but does that really make it any better? Eh- maybe it'll be good for a couple of funny moments, but probably the only reason this is coming out is due to the success of We're the Millers a couple years ago.

Channing Tatum and Pals Return for 'Magic Mike XXL'

The new trailer for the Magic Mike sequel puts the focus squarely on the guys, which is as it should be, I guess. I mean, what is there really to say about this movie, except that, as Tatum confirmed in an interview, it's about giving the fans what they want this time? That means lots of guys on stage stripping and dancing, and probably much less of the drug subplots that inhabited the first movie.

Meryl Streep Steps Up to the Mic in 'Ricki and the Flash'

So, Meryl Streep returns to singing in this new movie (she did that back in Postcards from the Edge, if anyone remembers), but to be honest, this doesn't look all that great, in my opinion. Diablo Cody has kind of proven herself a one hit wonder after Juno, and the last family drama Jonathan Demme directed was Rachel Getting Married, which I'm not really the biggest fan of. But maybe the actors can bring something to it, who knows. It's coming out in August as total counter programming for summer blockbusters.

Laura Linney Shows Up in New Trailer for 'Mr. Holmes'

Yet another trailer for the Ian McKellen Sherlock Holmes movie unsurprisingly makes it look more eventful (this is the U.S. trailer, so even though the film is clearly aimed at an older audience, we have to make it look like it has at least some action in it, right?). Laura Linney also shows up here, so after the announcement the other day that she's joining the cast of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2, she'll get a chance to preserve some dignity by having this come out first.

Blu-Ray Pick of the Week: "Mr. Turner" (2014)

Timothy Spall was criminally overlooked for a Best Actor nomination for this, one of Mike Leigh's finest films. An intimate portrait of British painter JMW Turner, this is a detailed, brave, entirely lived in performance like no other from last year, and as usual with Leigh's films, Spall is surrounded by a supporting cast that gives every bit character specific life, no matter how few scenes any one person is in. This is a movie that makes you feel as though you're transported back to this time and living and struggling its inhabitants. An emotional, moving experience that pays tribute to one of the world's greatest artists with a piece of art itself that honors him in every way.

Trailer:

Another Look at The Rock in 'San Andreas'

More disaster porn here- boy does this look cheesy. Although I sometimes have a soft spot for B-grade disaster movies, as long as they don't take themselves too seriously (like Independence Day, which is both one of the cheesiest and most fun). I can't tell if this one has a sense of humor or not- if it's just grim looks and buildings falling down it'll probably suck. Comes out May 29th.

Suicide Squad Suits Up

After getting our first look at the new Joker last week, director David Ayer has now tweeted a full picture of the entire Suicide Squad cast in costume (sans Jared Leto). I guess they're really going for a whole punk rock biker look all around, huh? I wonder how odd this movie's going to be- it seems kind of a strange concept to do a movie about a bunch of Batman villains minus Batman himself (or is he going to cameo?). Either way, WB's superhero movies all inevitably turn out to be messy and/or weird in far more interesting ways than Marvel's finely tuned corporate formula (even if that's because they have no idea how to get anything "right"- at least it makes for more bizarre/unique movies). I'll admit, I'm at least curious about this one.

Vin Diesel is 'The Last Witch Hunter'

Not that Michael Caine's immune from doing bad movies (he's actually been in tons throughout his career), but his presence in this one could maybe gin up some extra interest from non-Vin Diesel fans. Although I don't really know how many of those there are out there- remember when he was supposed to be the next Arnold Schwarzenegger? Yeah well, Fast and Furious aside, he's still trying it. This one comes out October 23rd, right in time for Halloween.

Charlize Theron Showcased in Final 'Mad Max' Trailer

So, WB really wants you to know that there's a Mad Max movie coming out soon, with this fourth and final trailer for the film, this time showing off Charlize's role (which seems to be co-lead with Tom Hardy). Still looks cool, although I suddenly realize that no one's Australian except Max in this one. I guess that's not a big deal, but the first two (and best) Mad Max movies were very definitely a desolate Australian wasteland, with every member of the cast an Aussie, including Mel Gibson of course. Somehow made it more exotic. Now everyone's accent is just whatever.