CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Take an unconventional idea and drop it into a conventional movie. That’s the concept behind Pixar’s latest feature film, “Wall-E,” about the last robot on Earth after humankind has abandoned it.

LINCOLN, Neb. — When my editor asked me to review this book, I knew the exact reason why: It takes a dick to know some dicks.

MADISON, Wis. — The years haven’t been kind to the “G.I. Joe” team. Since their cartoon was canceled in 1987, “Joe’s” team members have gone different ways and found hobbies outside of hunting operatives of G.I. Joe’s nemesis organization, COBRA. Hardest hit was Snake Eyes, G.I. Joe’s mute ninja master.

Hollywood is such a gamble these days. Just look at the new blackjack thriller “21.” You may be familiar with the true story on which it’s based: In the 1990s, a cadre of math wizards from MIT (college kids like me, except, you know, smart) devised a successful system of card counting they used to bank millions during flashy weekends in Las Vegas.

MADISON, Wis. — Flesh-eating plants induce more images of a cheesy 1980s musical (”Little Shop of Horrors”) than those of blood-soaked psychological thrillers.

Although Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen are attached to “Drillbit Taylor,” the comedic kings deliver a letdown with this “Superbad”-like knock-off. Starring Owen Wilson as a bodyguard hired to protect three high school kids, the film follows a weak premise with Wilson’s performance serving as its only saving grace.