Yes Man (2008)

“Liar Liar” re-imagined with the truth-telling parable replaced by saying “yes” to life and all of its questions. Jim Carrey works his ass off again, but it’s not enough. There’s no point, no life-affirming reason to say “yes” other than the inevitable happy ending.

d: Peyton Reed | imdb.com | trailer | Thanks for the ride.

Death Race (2008)

Director Paul W.S. Anderson re-imagines Roger Corman’s “Death Race 2000” (1975) in a prison. The script called for a leading man who is Bronson tough and McQueen cool, and Jason Statham is both. Joan Allen as the warden and Ian McShane add credibility.

d: Paul W.S. Anderson | imdb.com | trailer | Get on my lap.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Christian Bale’s Batman voice veers toward self-parody, Heath Ledger’s Joker sounds like he has peanut butter stuck to the roof of his mouth and the action is a loud mess. The most unbelievable part: An attorney (Aaron Eckhart) is the city’s supposed savior.

d: Christopher Nolan | imdb.com | trailer | Crying on the inside.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Jason Segel writes and stars in this break-up comedy, performing the first Dracula puppet musical and exposing himself (literally and emotionally) to Kristen Bell. But Russell Brand, as British rocker and sex god Aldous Snow, steals the movie.

d: Nicholas Stoller | imdb.com | trailer

Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Show (2008)

Vince Vaughn rounds up four unfunny stand-ups from The Comedy Store in Los Angeles to perform 30 shows in 30 days in front of too-eager college audiences. The highlights turn out to be cameos by Dwight Yoakam, Jon Favreau and Justin Long.

d: Ari Sandel | imdb.com | trailer | Dinner for Five