With a Matrix inspired score, excellent fight sequences, explosions and a slew of new characters, the third installment in the Blade franchise suffers from one fatal defect: a story we haven’t seen twice before and better.

Look at any plot writeup for Blade I/II and you’ll have more than you need to know about the Blade III. The vampires of the world are mad about Blade hunting them and they conspire to resurrect/build/assemble the “ultimateâ€? Blade killer. Whatever.

Sure, there are great moments in this film, Blade fighting the original vampire ( don’t call him Dracula ), Parker Posey as a vampire, Ryan Reynolds as a recovering vampire, Jessica Biel naked in the shower, vampire blood dripping off her supple, naked body. Mmm…Jessica Biel. But there aren’t enough great moments or Jessica Biel nude to counteract that not so fresh feeling.

Three things that work about this movie:

1) Fight scenes are better than Blade I or II. Good.

2) Ode de Matrix score really did help. Very good.

3) Jessica Biel in the shower. Very, very good.

Three things that need improvement:

1) The script.

2) The director. MTV inspired spastic-cam cuts do not a action/drama make.

3) See 1 and 2.

Verdict: DVD/video rental. DVD purchase ill advised unless freeze frame viewing Jessica Biel for eternity is paramount.

Steve Zissou Life Aquatic breaks all the rules of formula. Assemble a lesser known cast, construct a bizarre story that pays homage to a man most people can’t recall ( Jacques Costeau or somebody like that ), add a generous heaping of dry humor and death at the box office is a virtual lock.

For every bucket of popcorn hurled at the screen, there were belly laughs. It’s a dramedy and a smart one at that, the poignant and bitter story of a man at the end of a career that’s been over for years as he forges a relationship with a long forsaken son.

I liked this movie a lot but can’t recommend it, unless one finds the director’s earlier films Royal Tannebaums or Rushmore amusing. Wes Anderson takes a highly non conventional approach to story telling, one that delivers rich rewards, although the journey is not for everyone.

What works about this movie:

1)Bill Murray is THE MAN!

2)The offbeat humor.

3)The dude singing David Bowie songs in Portuguese. That guy is going places.

Verdict: Like the Royal Tannebaums? Check out Steve Zissou Life Aquatic, full price and buy the DVD. There really is nothing like a Wes Anderson spectacle.

Once again, it’s time for concurrent movie reviews! Twice the write up, half the space with none of the spoilers. Today’s features are: Team America World Police and The Grudge. Both are prime examples of the respective culture � Team America represents the evils of Jerry Bruckheimer styled dramedies, The Grudge is an exquisite example of Japanese horror.

Team America World Police: many of the puppets are more skilled than the actual actors they represent. It’s watchable, fast paced and delivers loads of laughs. It’s irreverent, timely, political and crass. The soundtrack of all original songs features catchy lyrics like ‘Alec Baldwin you are worthless’ and ‘Team America F*** yeah!’ It’s not for children – I repeat – not for children. Please be warned, this movie contains explicit adult puppet situations.

The Grudge: a remake of a revered Japanese classic, it’s directed by the same auteur who crafted the original film. While the style and themes hark of The Ring, The Grudge is a different story. Even creepier after time to reflect, the movie does what any good horror movie should, scare the the hell out of you. Produced by Sam Raimi ( Hello! Only directed the biggest super hero movie of all time Spiderman 1&2! ) this is a must see for all Ring fans.

Verdict — see the Grudge in the theater and buy the Team America World Police DVD.

Oops, Pixar did it again! Another fun for the whole family animated gem is loose in the theaters.

Imagine a hero with superpowers who has a wife with stretching abilities. Now imagine that the one activity they love, saving the world, is no longer an option. What can they do? Go under cover, sell insurance and have babies!

This is a heartfelt story about a man who just wants to fulfill his potential and the women and children who love him and also want in the action. Together they form the Incredibles!

It’s a plot we’ve seen a thousand times but seems fresh because it’s done well.

What works

1)Pretty much everything

What needs work

1)Some one other than Jason Lee as the villain. He sounded nasal and annoying, rather than evil. Although, thinking about the role perhaps that was the desired effect. Please smack him.

If you’ve got a heart, the Incredibles are part of you….

Verdict : Full price theater admission.