he snow has turned into soot-covered immovable mounds, kids’ tongues have un-stuck from streetlight posts, and salt stains have finally faded from jeans. You’re probably thinking about doing something active, maybe even outside. However, don't move too quickly, April showers will play havoc with your hair product and May flowers will stink up your t-shirt. Besides, cinema fare has at last rebounded after its winter drought. Not only are you finally getting a look at post-Sundance indies, but big budget popcorn flicks are ramping up for the summer. Celluloid decisions are getting difficult again, but worry not: Martiniboys.com is here with your Spring Movie Preview. Happy sitting.


Iron Man
Opening May 2, 2008
Right before Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl came out many people thought Johnny Depp in a popcorn film would never work. They were wrong. Similarly, Robert Downey Jr. as a superhero seems an odd bit of casting, but the redeemed actor will surprise all detractors. The story follows billionaire Tony Stark (Downey Jr.) as he transforms from flippant gallivanter to world-saving metal-wearer. Jon Favreau (Made and Elf) continues to diversify his cannon with his first true action flick. However, the kids movie Zathura put special effects on his CV and the Iron Man trailer looks promising. Downey is always brilliant and the supporting cast, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard, is shockingly strong, so this could be more than a throwaway sticky-floor affair. A sequel has already been greenlit, so Paramount must have liked what it saw. -S.T.



Meet Bill
Opening May 9, 2008
When Aaron Eckhart scores, he scores big, but for every Thank You for Smoking and In the Company of Men there’s a No Reservations or The Black Dahlia. Perhaps this will put him above .500 for good. Here, he’s the eponymous Bill, a beleaguered middle-ager with an adulterous wife (the typically strong Elizabeth Banks), a disapproving affluent family, and an expanding waist-line. Spurred to change by an earnest young protégé (Logan Lerman) and a pretty retail girl (Jessica Alba), shotgun firing and hair-dying ensue. It’s American Beauty as a light comedy, but with the affable Eckhart a fantastic ensemble cast that includes the underrated Timothy Olyphant and Craig Bierko, it could charm. –S.T.



Speed Racer
Opening May 9, 2008
Coming off of Into the Wild, Emile Hirsch is as hot as an abandoned schoolbus in the middle of summer. In this live-action adaptation of the popular Japanese cartoon, Hirsch plays the surprisingly eponymous Racer (his name is actually Speed Racer; seriously). Writing/directing team, the Wachowski brothers - the famous duo behind Bound and, um, something else - are behind this long-coming update, so you can expect visual extravagance. The Matrix established the W boys as action sequence superstars, and the underrated V for Vendetta cemented that reputation. The storyline is familiar - preternaturally talented boy battles evil for revenge and general goodness - but no one's going for the plot. My next girlfriend, Christina Ricci, as well as Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox, and John Goodman also star. -S.T.