If you were a movie critic this week, you’d be as busy as the proverbial one-legged man in the proverbial butt-kicking contest. And when I say “proverbial,” I really mean it’s mentioned in the book of Proverbs. Look it up!

Let’s run through today’s reviews alphabetically:

“An American Carol,” a right-wing spoof about a Michael Moore-ish figure being taught patriotism, is one of Hollywood’s Shameful Secrets®. I intend to review it this weekend.

“Appaloosa” (review at Cinematical) is an entertaining Western starring Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen that gets just a little soggy near the end. Two-thirds of it is vastly enjoyable, though.

“Beverly Hills Chihuahua” (review at Cinematical) belies its horrific trailer and is actually fairly charming and innocuous. I even laughed a few times!

“Blindness,” in which everyone except Julianne Moore mysteriously goes blind, will have to wait. I was prevented from seeing it not by blindness but by scheduling problems. Look for a review this weekend-ish.

“Flash of Genius”: Meh. True story. A guy invents something, then the Ford Motor Company steals it, then he fights them. Meh.

“How to Lose Friends & Alienate People” (review at Film.com) also gets a “meh,” which is disappointing, because I do love the star, Simon Pegg. He’s miscast, though, as an oblivious jerk.

“Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist,” about two teenagers falling in love over the course of one magical night in New York City, is hilarious, sweet, and effortlessly real. It captures the emotions of such an evening very nicely. Michael Cera for the win!

“Religulous” shows Bill Maher interviewing people who believe in God, making fun of them, then insisting everyone should just take his word for it that God is imaginary. Thanks, Bill! Will do!

Finally, if you’re near Portland this evening and have a radio within earshot, tune that radio to 101.1 KUFO at around 7:00 to hear me on the Cort & Fatboy show discussing some of these new releases. I believe listening online is also a possible thing that can be done. Usually my pal Mike Russell does the movie thing for C&F, but he’s out of town or sick or in rehab or something, so I’m filling in. Fun times for everyone! Except possibly Mike!

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