"The Invention of Lying." One of the year's biggest disappointments. It's got two very good ideas that don't fit together, layers them on top of a romantic comedy plot that's DOA, and Ricky Gervais, much like Chris Rock, is 70% less funny in movies than he is in TV or standup. It's punctuated by a parade of cameos by people not being as funny as they usually are.
"Whip It." I pretty much lived this one from start to finish- great plot, great characters, and how can you not love roller derby? Also, a cast of lots of my female favorites, from Ellen Page to Kristen Wiig to Alia Shawkat (Maeby!), who walks away with the movie in a best-friend role. I'm mystified that this was such a flop.
"Zombieland." This movie was lots of fun and I enjoyed it immensely, but no, it's no "Shaun of the Dead." Still, the second-act cameo is brilliant, and make sure you don't know about it before you see the movie.
Posted by Stephen Silver at October 6, 2009 04:41 PM