Sorry to harp on this, but the entertainment editors over at the Bee really need to chat with Carla Meyer before they choose their cover art for the Ticket section. In today’s edition, the entire front page is taken up with the likable presence of Owen Wilson fronting for his new movie, “Drillbit Taylor.” Open up the Ticket, however, and you may or may not be surprised to find that Meyer gives the film a tepid, two-star review filled with ringing non-endorsements like:
Though it contains funny moments, “Drillbit” is derivative, disjointed and sometimes tasteless (and not in a good way).
Other options for the front page? Th’ Losing Streaks, a favorite local band featured positively in the Ticket, “Hammer” the new Adam Carolla movie given a three star review, or heck, maybe something about Easter.
Yes, yes, we all like Owen Wilson and his bent-nose charm, but really, if the Bee is going to give up valuable real estate to pimp a new movie, they might want to make sure that it’s good first.
The Sac Rag 
How were they to know that Drillbit Taylor was not going to be a 5-star masterpiece! Those previews scream “Best Picture Oscar” !!
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What makes you think “we all like Owen Wilson?”
I usually pass on any movie he is in.
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I’m sorry. When I said “we” I was referring to the “we” that likes Owen Wilson.
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I agree. I know there are publication considerations since I believe these special sections go to print earlier than the rest of the paper, but still, it doesn’t look good to be hyping a movie your own critic gives a lukewarm review to. Added to your list of possible replacements I would add The Trouble Makers, who are having a 15th anniversary show this coming week.
For the record, I tend to like Owen Wilson movies.
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Actually, most newspapers would have a “firewall” between the reviewer and an entertainment writer who was writing a feature piece about the movie or interviewing Wilson, etc.
If they talked it over, there might be pressure to ease up on a bad review, or to tank the movie because the star threw a phone at the reporter (Russel Crowe only).
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That’s a good insight, but I don’t think it applies here. The only article in the section was Meyer’s review. There was no further interview with WIlson or feature or human interest story or bridge puzzle or anything regarding “Drillbit Taylor.”
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