Andrew Stanton, WALL-E

Leave it to Pixar to take a post-apocalyptic theme, a protagonist reminiscent of silent movie comedians, and an environmental message and create a film that is at once humorous, touching, and romantic. WALL-E, directed by Andrew Stanton, is the tale of the little robot who, after 700 years alone, ends up saving our devastated planet, and all because of a pretty girl. Looks like things won't change too much in the future.

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Timur Bekmambetov, Wanted

In the opening scene of Wanted, a man in business attire runs down a hallway at the top of an office building and bursts through a plate-glass window, leaping across to another rooftop in a shower of glass. This Matrix-style scene is only the first of many, giving the audience a taste of all of high-intensity action sequences to come. However, with all of the over-the-top violence and non-stop action, Wanted disappoints with the lack of a strong script or intriguing story.

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Peter Berg, Hancock

Let's face it: being Will Smith has got to be exhausting. He's a megawatt star who brings people of every race, class and gender to the theater, he's proven his range with action, romantic comedy, thriller and dramatic roles, and he's got a family-man, squeaky-clean image. Whether he likes it or not, he's a role model. Thus, the opportunity, albeit a risky one, to play a vulgar, alcoholic, sloppy superhero must have been attractive. In Peter Berg's intriguing Hancock, Smith shows that even the most despicable characters have a shot at salvation. This innovative take on the superhero flick is both entertaining and carries an emotional weight not often seen in the genre, but it loses track halfway through and rushes towards an ending that is less than satisfying.

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Peter Segal, Get Smart

A product of the director of Nutty Professor II and the writers of Failure to Launch, Get Smart, the feature adaptation of Mel Brooks' zany 1960s comedy series, surprises audiences in that it actually works. The fact that it does, however, is more a result of clever casting than anything else.

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Faces of Food Network: Paula Deen

Hey Ya’ll! For anyone who watches the Food Network, and a good many more, these words have instantly recognizable as the catchphrase of Southern-style chef Paula Deen.

Two-time Emmy winner Deen is the Savannah-based host of Paula’s Party and Paula’s Home Cooking, two Food Network shows that feature her unique Southern style. Often parodied for her refusal to make anything remotely healthy, Deen is well known for her love of butter, cheese and fried food. She works with her hands whenever possible and her reactions to eating her food are legendary. [read more...]