When I look at the IMDB page for the week’s new releases, I cry a little bit because it all seems so hopeless. I don’t know anyone who is excited about seeing Norbit or Hannibal Rising. The fact that The Messengers was number one at the box office last week speaks directly to the lack of activity in theaters. The only thing I can attribute it to is sloth. Hey, I’m guilty of it, too! Before posting this blog, I ate 6 mini-enchiladas. Or, as Cami likes to call them "cholesterol bags." Frankly, it’s a miracle I’m still alive to type this up!

It typically takes a big holiday to wake Hollywood from it’s winter slumber. By the time Valentine’s Day rolls around next week, we should see something more interesting. Both Cami and I have our radar up for Music and Lyrics next week. It looks like a fun romantic comedy and frankly, I’m surprised how much I’ve come to enjoy seeing Hugh Grant as the over-the-hill, self-centered leading man with a heart of gold.. And say what you will about Ghost RIder, but I don’t think ANYONE is reacting to it with indifference. Even the comic book faithful like yours truly are pretty much counting on it to be an abysmal failure, but I almost kind of want to watch it go down in flames (pun intended).

Speaking of which, Norbit looks to be a COLOSSAL misfire and I’m seriously wondering if it’s hampering Eddie Murphy’s odds of walking away with the Best Supporting Actor trophy at the Oscars in a few weeks. I think if Norbit had come out AFTER the Oscars, people might not have thought twice. After all, the list of actors who have made huge flops post-Oscar (Halle Berry in Catwoman, anyone?) is as long as my arm. But for ANOTHER movie where Murphy plays 16 different characters, each slathered in prosthetics to come out BEFORE the ceremony? It makes it look like Murphy doesn’t care what Academy voters think of him – and not in a daring, artistic way. More like a "I-have-more-money-than-God-and-don’t-need-accolades" kind of way. It’s a disgusting level of hubris I personally hope the Academy punishes him for.

Don’t get me wrong. If Murphy were the least bit progressive with his work, it would be moot point. But we’ve seen this bag of tricks before. Clearly the positive response he received from his performance in Dreamgirls should tell him THIS is the kind of work his audience would love to see more of. Something different. Something that shows us a little more of Eddie Murphy than a funny voice.

It’s hard to be overtly critical. I think Murphy is insanely talented and what he has done with the majority of his comedic work has been as impressive from a creative as well as technical perspective. But I get the sense that I don’t really "know" Murphy that well any more. The guy who played Axel Foley is a million miles away from the guy who starred in Daddy Day Care. Too many safe, predictable, kid-friendly choices and not enough variety have soured my perception of Murphy’s talents.

Okay, so if not Murphy, who wins Best Supporting. Probably not Alan Arkin for his role in Little Miss Sunshine – but he should. I’m almost wondering if Mark Wahlberg doesn’t walk away with it for his role in The Departed. The fact that he has confirmed reports that he has been approached to star in the sequel (with the option for a prequel that brings back the entire cast based on it’s success) shows great confidence for the guy that made me hate Tim Burton for making Planet of the Apes.

Am I alone in this? Is anyone else considering the Oscars at this level of detail? What do you guys think about Murphy and Norbit? What about this weekend’s new releases? Is anyone going to bite the bullet and see Hannibal Rising? Leave your comments below!