Mlive New Movies Podcast

With such a bountiful slate of films opening for the holiday weekend, Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba barely had time to exhale during this week's New Movies Podcast. He and producer Cory Olsen discuss "Up in the Air," "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel," "Sherlock Holmes," "Nine," "It's Complicated," "The Young Victoria" and (pant, pant) new DVD releases.

In this special edition of the New Movies Podcast, Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba talks about his top 10 favorite films of the decade (with some honorable mentions thrown in), while producer/sidekick Cory Olsen points out a few that he missed. Serba calls the '00s the decade of comic-book movies, Latino directors, Pixar and The Other Trilogy.

James Cameron maintains his legacy as a groundbreaking director with "Avatar," according to Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba in this week's New Movies Podcast. He and producer/commentator Cory Olsen also tackle the long-awaited adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel "The Road," comedy "Did You Hear About the Morgans?," acclaimed drama "An Education" and new DVD releases, including Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" and "The Hangover."

Old school: That's the best phrase Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba could use to describe new Disney animated musical "The Princess and the Frog." In this week's New Movies Podcast, he says it "might be a classic." Serba and producer-sidekick Cory Olsen also talk about Clint Eastwood's drama "Invictus," starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, two new independent films opening at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, and new DVD releases "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," "Public Enemies" and "Julie and Julia."

A pair of downbeat dramas open in theaters this week: "Everybody's Fine," starring Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore and Kate Beckinsale, and "Brothers," with Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire. They're the focus of discussion in this week's New Movies Podcast, hosted by Press film critic John Serba and producer/quipster Cory Olsen.

Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba declares the Coen Bros.' "A Serious Man" one of the best movies of 2009 in this week's New Movies Podcast. Sidekick/producer Cory Olsen doesn't quite agree with him, but they discuss it -- as well as "Precious," "Fantastic Mr. Fox," "Old Dogs," "Ninja Assasin" and new DVD releases -- in depth.

The burning question this week: Does "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" have anything to offer non-Twi-hards? Grand Rapids Press movie critic John Serba tackles the topic with podcast producer/funny guy Cory Olsen in this week's New Movies Podcast. They also discuss animated feature "Planet 51," Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side," the big buzz surrounding "Precious," "Star Trek" on DVD and more.

The world done blows up real good in Roland Emmerich's latest disaster epic, "2012," starring John Cusack, Amanda Peet and a whole lotta special effects. So, is this the disaster movie to end all disaster movies? Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba addresses the question -- with commentary by jokester-producer Cory Olsen -- in this week's New Movies Podcast. They also discuss "Pirate Radio," "Up" on DVD and more.

Jim Carrey in Robert Zemeckis' 'A Christmas Carol,' George Clooney in 'The Men Who Stare at Goats,' more

Michael Jackson documentary 'This Is It': In some ways, the film isn't exactly what we may be expecting, according to Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba, who discusses it and new DVD releases with sidekick/producer Cory Olsen.

So, does "Paranormal Activity" -- which expands to wide release this week -- live up to the hype? Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba tackles the hottest homemade horror film since "The Blair Witch Project" in this week's New Movie's Podcast. Serba and producer/sidekick Cory Olsen also discuss "Astro Boy" and other new theatrical releases, and new DVDs, including "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen."

Does "Where the Wild Things Are" live up to the hype and anticipation? Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba and his producer/sidekick Cory Olsen address the issue in this week's New Movies Podcast. They also discuss "Paranormal Activities," "Law Abiding Citizen" and new DVDs "Drag Me to Hell," "The Proposal" and "Land of the Lost."

Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba offers a twist for this week's New Movies Podcast: He and producer Cory Olsen discuss some of the worst movies ever made, including Tommy Wiseau's "The Room." They also touch on "Couples Retreat," "My One and Only" and "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell."

It’s a big week for movies with Michigan ties. “Whip It” — which director Drew Barrymore shot in Detroit last year — and “Capitalism: A Love Story” — the latest from Flint-born filmmaker Michael Moore — are both new in theaters. Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba has good things to say about both of them in this week’s New Movies Podcast, with sidekick/producer Cory Olsen kicking in some commentary as well. They also discuss the 3-D re-release of “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2,” “Zombieland,” “The Invention of Lying,” “Cold Souls,” new DVD releases and more. Give ’em a listen:

'Fame,' Bruce Willis in 'Surrogates,' 'In the Loop,' new DVDs and more

Animated film 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,' Megan Fox in 'Jennifer's Body,' Matt Damon in 'The Informant!', more

New Movies Podcast: Tim Burton-produced animated film '9,' 'Whiteout,' 'Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself,' more

New Movies Podcast: Mike Judge's new comedy 'Extract' starring Jason Bateman, 'Weather Girl,' new DVDs, more

New Movies Podcast: 'Taking Woodstock,' 'The Answer Man' new in theaters, 'Adventureland,' 'Duplicity' on DVD

Grand Rapids Press film critic John Serba loves Quentin Tarantino's movies -- so it's no surprise he has good things to say about "Inglourious Basterds" in this week's New Movies Podcast. He also throws in his two cents for "Post Grad" and last weekend's hit, "District 9."