Daily Dirt: Bet on ‘Bob’s Burgers’ and ‘The Batman’

As we all begin to venture back to movie theaters, here are some viewing possibilities for the coming weeks … Welcome to today’s three thoughts and Vol. 215 of The Daily Dirt.

1. Here are a few movies coming out in the not-too-distant future that should generate some conversation, one way or the other:

Best bet: “Bob’s Burgers,” the acclaimed animated comedy hit on Fox gets the big-screen treatment and will open around Memorial Day. H. Jon Benjamin is the voice of Bob, and if he sounds familiar that means you’re a fan of “Archer,” another popular animated hit. Benjamin is also the voice of the Sterling Archer, arguably the most famous secret agent since James Bond.

Definitely Worth a Shot:”The Batman” is scheduled for release in early March and should attract some big audiences. This version, directed by Matt Reeves, promises an “even darker” take on the Caped Crusader starring Robert Pattinson of “Twilight” fame. Other key stars will include Colin Farrell as the Penguin, Paul Dano as the Riddler and Jeffrey Wright as Commissioner Gordon (PUBLISHER’S NOTE: My tickets have already been purchased. JRG).

Kind of a Sleeper: “Top Gun Maverick” marks the long-awaited sequel to Tom Cruise’s famed “Top Gun” film after more than 30 years. I’m a bit leery of that time frame, even with Cruise still serving as the principal star. For the record, Val Kilmer will also return. This is a movie directly target at the baby boomers and scheduled to arrive in theaters around Memorial Day.

Kind of a Sleeper, part deux: “Ambulance” will be on the big screen in early April, featuring Jake Gyllenhaal. Director Michael Bay is known for his blockbuster tendencies, so this could be a major hit or an incredible bomb at the box office. I don’t look for any in-between results. This is a remake of a 2015 Danish film, and has been in development for several years.

2. Here are this week’s Great Plate medal winners from across West-Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri.

Will any — or all? — crack the next week’s 10 for the best of 2022?

Gold medal: HOWDYDO. This one made me smile, too.

Silver medal: 58 NHRA. Obviously, a drag-racing fan.

Bronze medal: KIWI 37. An Aussie in Quincy?

3. The U.S. men’s hockey team lost to Slovakia in the quarterfinals of the Olympics and the U.S. women were beaten by Canada in the gold-medal game. Well, four more years until I have any interest in hockey again.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — On this day in 1967, Steve’s favorite songs were:– “I’m A Believer,” by the Monkees.– “98.6,” by Keith.– We Ain’t Got Nothin’ Yet,” by the Blues Magoos.– “Kind of a Drag,” by the Buckinghams.– “Gimme Some Lovin,” by the Spencer Davis Group (PUBLISHER’S NOTE: On this day in 1967, I was a shade over three months old. JRG).

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. “Lunch with Steve” will be one of the first series we launch on MRTV+.