the buzz log

Movie critics probably shouldn’t have bothered. All the reviewers in the world can't stop “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” the second film in the hit franchise, from raking in mountains of cash. Still, a few critics tried.

Roger Ebert, perhaps the most famous movie critic of all time, granted “New Moon” 1 star out of 4, and noted that its teen stars lack energy. “Never have teenagers been in greater need of a jump-start,” said the Pulitzer Prize-winner. The deliciously catty Kyle Smith of the New York Post was predictably unimpressed. Moaned Smith, “This movie moves like the line at the post office."

Other publications were a bit kinder. Claudia Puig of USA Today granted “New Moon” 2.5 stars out of 4 and noted that the film is "an improvement" over the original. The Hollywood Reporter’s Michael Rechtshaffen offered similar sentiments and wrote that “New Moon” is also “exceptionally faithful to its 2008 beginnings.” That quote alone ought to send the franchise’s fans over the moon.

While “New Moon” is getting the vampire’s share of the buzz, there are two other major Hollywood releases hitting theaters this weekend. “The Blind Side,” based on a true story, stars Sandra Bullock as a sassy Midwestern mother who takes in a homeless African American teenager. Heartwarming moments ensue.

Reviews on “The Blind Side” range from positive to “meh.” Respected online critic James Berardinelli applauded the movie for not being cloying, something that can easily happen with inspirational tear-jerkers. Mr. Rechtshaffen of The Hollywood Reporter complimented the “energetic performances” from the cast. But there are dissenters. Entertainment Weekly’s Owen Gleiberman commented on the film’s hypocrisy, calling it “a kind of liberal Hollywood version of conservative values.” Ouch.

The last of the three flicks to hit theaters is an animated movie called “Planet 51.” Featuring the vocal talents of Dwayne Johnson, Justin Long, and Gary Oldman, the film is a kind of child-safe, sci-fi adventure with a twist. Instead of aliens landing on Earth, an astronaut lands on an alien planet.

Reviews are, in a word, mixed. Ty Burr of The Boston Globe recommended the movie only to “young children and adults with high pain thresholds,” while Roger Moore of the Chicago Tribune called it “genial but generic.” Other reviewers were more complimentary. Adam Markovitz of Entertainment Weekly gave the film a “B” and said that it "delivers a few pleasant surprises.” Roger Ebert called it “perfectly pleasant as kiddie entertainment."