Standing on the Shoulderpads of Giants - Superbowl Recap!

I suppose this guy took steroids too?

What can I say? I'M SHOCKED! I've just witnessed one of the greatest upsets in sports history. New England played an amazing game, but you have to give New York all the credit in the world. How Eli Manning avoided that sack is beyond me, but that catch by David Tyree will go down in history as one of the most miraculous plays of all time. Seriously! Krazy Glue should be compensated in some shape or form, because I'm sure it was instrumental in that play. How the hell did Tyree hold on to that ball! Just amazing! Like a great tent pole summer movie release, Super Bowl 42 lived up to the hype. It was so exciting that I nearly forgot that the real reason I was tuning in was for the movie trailers. Sadly, no Indiana Jones, but we did get spots for Vantage Point (I've seen variations of this trailer too many times), Drillbit Taylor (looks like another winner from Producer Judd Apatow), The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (bigger and darker than it's predeccessor--just what the doctor ordered!) Wanted (looks very stylistic ala The Matrix), Leatherheads (looks like an entertaining throwback comedy–Clooney is the man!), Jumper (I know Doug Liman has prevailed over pre release negativity before – see Bourne Identity and Mr. and Mrs. Smith – but this time, I think he may lose the battle), Don't Mess With the Zohan (more juvenile schtick from Adam Sandler. Possible saving point? Judd Apatow co-wrote the screenplay. But then Alexander Payne got a screenplay credit on I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, so we'll just have to wait and see), and Semi Pro/Budweiser cross promotion ad (Will Ferrell's lovable man child persona slays me. The fact that Semi Pro is set in the 70's, as was his Anchorman, could add to the hilarity). The two best movie trailers of the evening?

IRON MAN

I'm really, really, really excited for this one. I haven't read the comic but it doesn't look like reading the comic is a prerequisite. Jon Favreau's latest directorial effort looks to be hugely entertaining, and Robert Downey Jr.'s quick wit and comic timing appear to be spot on. With Iron Man, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and Star Trek all slated for release in 2008, Paramount looks to be having one hell of a 2008!

WALL-E

By the look of things, Pixar has another big hit on their hands. With cameos by Woody and Buzz Lightyear, this custom made Super Bowl spot featuring a lovable robot named Wall-E looks incredibly cute and immensely charming. Those big robotic eyes bring to mind E.T. and Number 5, but knowing the folks over at Pixar, I have no doubt this film will be a true original.

On a final note, that Life Water commercial, the one with the geckos dancing to the beat of Michael Jackson's Thriller, was bizarre but strangely watchable.

Congrats to the world champion Giants!

So it's obvious that I have quite a bit of catching up to do. I'm still working on my final Sundance piece and I also have to throw reviews together for The Eye and a couple of other flicks. But today, on this beautiful rainy afternoon, I'm going to kick back and watch the Super Bowl with my family and friends. Am I a huge fan of the NFL? Not really, but even I realize the historical importance of what New England is about to accomplish. But more importantly, I'm not about to miss the plethora of kick ass movie trailers that are slated to air during the telecast. Trailers to expect? Prince Caspian and Iron Man just to name two. I suppose Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a little too much to hope for. I'm hearing that highly anticipated trailer will premiere with Spiderwick Chronicles next week. But maybe, just maybe, Paramount, Lucas, and Spielberg will give us a little unexpected Indy goodness during the game. Again, I'm not holding my breath. Anyway, there should be some exciting stuff unveiled. Between movie trailers, potential history in the making, and what's sure to be a rousing half time show with Tom Petty, it should be one hell of an afternoon. After the game, be sure to click back on this piece for an overview of the movie trailers and a couple of words on the game. And on a final note, New England deserves to be here. If I hear one more person bitch about the team being a bunch of "cheaters," I'll snap! The Patriots aren't the only team to have "cheated". They just got caught. And besides, I wouldn't even call what they did "cheating". Not in the traditional sense. They still busted their asses to get where they are. This isn't like steroid use in Major League Baseball. The bottom line is, this is an unstoppable team. If they lose this game, I'll be really shocked.