For a weekend that features what could be the biggest movie of the year, the list of movie websites is merely average. Then again, I've noticed this trend for a few years that movie websites have stagnated in quality. I blame Running Scared. The website was so popular, that it crashed the server, but the movie itself bombed. It was at this point that I believe studios realized that having a popular website doesn't mean a movie will be a hit. Since then, the amount of effort put into websites has dropped off with more sites featuring less sound and animation; even sites for wide releases are rather cookie cutter at the moment lacking interactivity or creativity. This is part of the reason why I'm strongly considering phasing out this column. There's very few sites worth writing about, and it would give me more time to concentrate on reviewing DVDs, which takes up a considerable amount of my time already. I haven't finalized my decision, so if you have any thoughts, e-mail me.

Cheri - Official Site
Just the basics. They do have clips used as intros for several of the sections, but they are silent, so they are less effective. There are also a handful of clips in the Video section, all marked coming soon. I like the background music, but that's the only thing that really stands out.

The Hurt Locker - Official Site
All of the usual information is here, and this includes a very effective trailer. I'm not surprised given its reviews. There's enough sound and animation to not seem boring, but not enough to truly strand out.

My Sister's Keeper - Official Site
For a wide release, this site is pretty sparse. Granted, all of the usual features are here, as well as a track listing for the soundtrack and a music video. But that's still on the light side in terms of content. Also, the background music loops too frequently and become repetitive very fast.

New York - Official Site
Most of the usual features are here (synopsis, cast bios, images) with the only missing feature being the trailer. However, there is a music video on the site, and a link to YouTube where you can watch more than a dozen other videos, including the trailer.

Quiet Chaos - No Official Site
Nothing to review.

The Stoning of Soraya M. - Official Site
A strong site for a limited release with all of the usual information, as well as enough sound and animation to not seem boring. There are a handful of clips as extras, but there is nothing truly unique in terms of content.

Surveillance - Official Site
Not much here, just the synopsis, a short cast & crew list, images, and the trailer, plus some quotes from critics.

Transformers - Revenge of the Fallen - Official Site
Rather disappointing site given the size of the movie. Sure, there are several sections, including all of the usual features and some extras, but outside of a mediocre shooting game, there's nothing that really sets it apart compared to most other saturation level releases. The fan kit and the fan art are the most unique aspects of the site, but I would have rather seen a few clips from the movie instead.

- C.S.Strowbridge

Date posted: 2009-06-28