Dec 14, 2007,
C. Robert Cargill
Once again, it's a weekend battle of head-to-head stars. In this corner, we have Will "The Fresh Prince" Smith. He met Ali, who said that he was the greatest. And in this corner we have Alvin, the chipmunk. This one's gonna be truly epic folks. A real nail-biter. Let's drop the cage. You know the rules. Two men enter! One man leaves!
In the box office this weekend: Winner = Smith
Okay, normally I'd go with the family film, but this one doesn't seem to be appealing to a wide audience. Folks are getting a The Shaggy Dog/Underdog vibe from its trailers. I Am Legend , on the other hand, has Will Smith, who is a force alone to be reckoned with at the box office, in a science fiction/end-of-the-world story that is an adaptation/remake of a great short story that was turned into Vincent Price's Last Man on Earth, and which also inspired the Charlton Heston vehicle Omega Man. And that just sounds awesome.
In the critical arena: Winner = Smith
This one is about as easy to call as a match-up as a fight of Andre the Giant versus Tom Cruise would be. While many critics still choose to beat up on Smith, there's nothing they love more than the blood in the water of a bad kids film. And that's what Alvin and the Chipmunks looks like. Many critics have begun writing their reviews even before seeing the film. Unless it turns out to be incredible, the movie is going to take a number of body blows. Perhaps it should have been released in the summer, summer, summertime.
In their careers: Winner = Smith
I love the Chipmunks, really I do. Grew up on them. But they're not primed for a comeback. Will Smith has pretty much conquered the world. All he needs now is an Oscar. He doesn't have one yet, and his parents just don't understand.
In a fight: Winner = Smith
He's got height, he's got reach, and he once claimed that he thought he could beat Mike Tyson. He trained to play Muhammad Ali and still looks just as cut. This guy knows how to box. Alvin, on the other hand, might get in a good ankle bite or two before Smith turns him into hamburger.
Winner = Smith
This weekend is gonna get taken Big Willy-style.
C. Robert Cargill - - - Email Me
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Austin-based Cargill, who not only loves but owns The Cutting Edge, writes on movies and DVD five times a week.
