Movie Website Reviews for Weekend of February 29, 2008

March 2, 2008

There's a real slump in top-notch sites, but it is still early in the year and no real blockbusters have been released so far. There are a couple of sites on this week's list that are good, but none that are great and none that win the Weekly Website Award.

Bonneville - Official Site
There's so much product placement that it doesn't feel like an advertisement for the movie. This just kills any effectiveness the site might otherwise have (and it's not a standout site to begin with). There is a behind-the-scenes video clip and three interview clips, but that's it for extras.

Chicago 10 - No Official Site
No site, no review.

Chop Shop - No Official Site
Nothing to review.

City of Men - Official Site
All of the usual features, but outside a panning intro, there's no style here.

The Other Boleyn Girl - Official Site
The usual features are here, as well as two interesting extras. Firstly, there are several short video clips with the author of the novel talking about the casting, the historical accuracy, etc. and there's a audio clip that you can play while looking through the image gallery. The site could use a little more sound and animation to reach its potential.

Penelope - Official Site
Better than average, especially for this week. It has the usual features (synopsis, cast & crew bios, production notes, image gallery, and trailer), as well as a trio of clips. Additionally, each section starts off with an audio clip and there is a sense of style to be found here. Like I said, it is better than average, but it is not award-worthy.

Romulus, My Father - Official Site
Just the synopsis, image gallery, and trailer, with no extras or style.

Semi-Pro - Official Site
This site is a lot more ... subdued than I was expecting. There isn't nearly as much flash as a movie that is using its frenetic energy as a selling point should have. There is a little sound and animation, and two mini-games, but nothing that really wowed me. (On a side note, I can't believe some people played Spin King for more than 30 minutes.) Arguably the best site on this week's list, but that's not enough to be considered award-worthy.

The Unforeseen - Official Site
All the usual features are here with a few extras, most notably a blog with several video clips. I do have an small issue with the image gallery. The slideshow is nice, but I would also like the option to pick and choose the images I want to see.

Vivere - Official Site
All the basics are here, but there's nothing in the way of style.


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Filed under: Semi-Pro, The Other Boleyn Girl, Penelope, Bonneville, Cidade dos Homens, Chicago 10, Chop Shop, Romulus, My Father, Vivere