As temperatures are starting to rise with the approach of summer, so too is the competition at movie theaters, as the Hollywood studios parade out their big releases. Plenty of options are available over the next few months – so much, in fact, that the following is a fairly truncated list of the new flicks coming soon. First up are releases for May and June, followed next week by July and August. Remember, release dates are subject to change.
MAY
“Iron Man”
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow
Directed by Jon Favreau
Taking on the early-May slot that the “Spider-Man” franchise has gotten rich from, another comic book hero takes to the screen, with an unlikely Downey in the metal suit of the title character. Plenty of promotion has gone into this, and big money should follow. Just not “Spider-Man”-sized money. (May 2)
Official Web site
“Made of Honor”
Starring Patrick Dempsey, Michelle Monaghan, Kevin McKidd
Directed by Paul Weiland
The best friend of a woman agrees to be her man of honor at her pending wedding. Trouble is, he realizes he loves her now and tries to find a way to express his feelings before her big day. The other trouble is this movie sounds quite familiar. Anybody else thinking “My Best Friend’s Wedding” here? Still, this is Dempsey’s best chance yet to become a movie star on top of his TV star status with “Grey’s Anatomy.” (May 2)
Official Web site
“Speed Racer”
Starring Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox
Directed by Andy and Larry Wachowski
In their first directorial effort since “The Matrix” trilogy, the Wachowski brothers are tackling a cult classic Japanese animated TV show as a live-action feature. Sure, the dazzling visuals appear to be there, but is there enough of a built-in audience for this to truly become a hit? (May 9)
Official Web site
“What Happens In Vegas”
Starring Cameron Diaz, Ashton Kutcher, Queen Latifah, Lake Bell, Dennis Farina
Directed by Tom Vaughn
Diaz and Kutcher star as a couple of down on their luck people who get drunk, then marry in Las Vegas – only to regret the decision the next morning. Throw in a $3 million win on a slot machine and the two find a reason to try to stick together, as both want the money and a divorce. A judge forces them to try to make the marriage work and freezes the money in the process. Wow, even for a Hollywood romantic comedy, this premise is a little shaky. (May 9)
Official Web site
“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”
Starring Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell
Directed by Andrew Adamson
As the first sequel in “The Chronicles of Narnia” series, most everyone is back that helped make the 2005 film a big hit. A third film in the series is already being filmed, with a 2009 release scheduled. Guess the filmmakers are betting this one will do well at the box office – a safe bet, to be sure. (May 16)
Official Web site
“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”
Starring Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Ray Winstone and Shia LaBeouf
Directed by Steven Spielberg
After the completion of the third “Indiana Jones” film in 1989, it was assumed that was the end of the series. But fast forward nearly 20 years later, and here we go again. This film looks to be sticking to the old-fashioned action, stunts and humor that made the first three successful. The success of this one should be easy to predict. It’s only a matter of how much money it makes and how fast it’s earned. (May 23)
Official Web site
“Sex and the City: The Movie”
Starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Chris Noth
Directed by Michael Patrick King
The hit HBO series has made it to the big screen after numerous attempts, and picks up four years later with the four leading ladies, as Carrie (Parker) prepares to get married. This one might be defined as the “chick flick” of the year. Certainly a good counter-programming effort to “Indiana Jones.” (May 30)
Official Web site
JUNE
“Kung Fu Panda”
Starring the voices of Jack Black, Jackie Chan, Dustin Hoffman, Lucy Liu, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogen
Directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson
Well, what would summer be without another animated talking animal movie? This one features a panda bear recruited by Kung Fu masters (who also happen to be animals) to protect their homeland from an evil leopard. Kids will probably love this, but the tolerance level for adults might be tested. Still, a good cast is providing voices here, which might help. (June 6)
Official Web site
“You Don’t Mess with the Zohan”
Starring Adam Sandler, John Turturro, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Nick Swardson and Rob Schneider
Directed by Dennis Dugan
While it would be nice to see Sandler operate outside his comfort zone more, such as in “Punch-Drunk Love,” this script is actually an interesting collaboration between Sandler, Robert Smigel and the omnipresent Judd Apatow. Sandler plays a Mossad agent who fakes his death to emerge in New York as – wait for it – a hairdresser. Did I mention this is a comedy? (June 6)
Official Web site
“The Incredible Hulk”
Starring Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt
Directed by Louis Leterrier
Forget the 2003 film directed by Ang Lee and starring Eric Bana and Jennifer Connelly. That’s what the makers of this movie relaunch of the comic book character are wanting you to do. It helps having Norton on board, who also reportedly contributed to the script under an alias. The action will also be much more ramped up, which should appeal to a wider audience. (June 13)
Official Web site
“The Happening”
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan
Having taken a critical and box office beating for his last film, “Lady in the Water,” Shyamalan is in need of a hit. Sure, the trailer to this one looks good, making allusions to an impending deadly force arriving in a city. But one begins to wonder if the writer-director is willing or able to make any other kind of movie beyond atmospheric thrillers. (June 13)
Official Web site
“The Love Guru”
Starring Mike Myers, Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake, Romany Malco, Meagan Good
Directed by Marco Schnabel
Having taken a fairly long break from movies, Myers returns as the title character in this comedy, playing another outrageous character with an accent. As a love expert, he’s employed to help a star hockey player win back his wife. Myers, who also co-wrote the movie, could seemingly play these kind of characters in his sleep. Hopefully, this won’t be too much of a retread of past successes. (June 20)
Official Web site
“Get Smart”
Starring Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Arkin, Terence Stamp
Directed by Peter Segal
Still looking for a movie that might launch him as a film star, it’s questionable that a big-screen adaptation of a 1960s TV show will do the trick for “Get Smart” star Carell. After all, most of the audience going to see this will probably have never seen the small screen version. But Carell as a bumbling action star does have its appeal. (June 20)
Official Web site
“WALL•E”
Starring the voices of Sigourney Weaver, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard, John Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy
Directed by Andrew Stanton
Disney and Pixar Animation have collaborated on a futuristic film involving an inquisitive robot and its adventures in space. OK, so that’s a kind of vague description of the story, but it’s from the same director of “Finding Nemo” and Pixar hasn’t made a bad film yet. So it’s hard to imagine this won’t be worth seeing. (June 27)
Official Web site
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Delayed again
“Valkyrie,” based on a true story of Nazi soldiers plotting to assassinate Adolf Hitler, won’t see the light of day until 2009. This marks the second such delay of the Tom Cruise-starring thriller, directed by Bryan Singer (“X-Men,” “The Usual Suspects”). Originally, the film was set for a summer release, with a trailer released announcing so. Then it was pushed to October and now to Feb. 13, 2009, coinciding with President’s Day weekend. It’s also close to Valentine’s Day, so all you lovebirds, make your plans now.
These schedule shifts usually point to problems, but there will plenty of time to make judgments on the movie, with such a long period before its release. But the fact that you’ve got Cruise and British actors such as Kenneth Branaugh and Terence Stamp speaking in their normal voices as Nazi soldiers doesn’t exactly bolster confidence on the film’s desire for realism.
These schedule shifts usually point to problems, but there will plenty of time to make judgments on the movie, with such a long period before its release. But the fact that you’ve got Cruise and British actors such as Kenneth Branaugh and Terence Stamp speaking in their normal voices as Nazi soldiers doesn’t exactly bolster confidence on the film’s desire for realism.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Movie Review: "Shine a Light"
Starring Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie WattsDirected by Martin Scorsese
Official Web site
The Rolling Stones have carved out a musical career unsurpassed in rock ‘n’ roll history that couldn’t be done justice in attempting to cover in a two-hour documentary. Director Martin Scorsese recognized that – even saying in a recent interview that the band would likely need a 10- to 12-hour feature to do them justice. That’s clearly not the aim of “Shine a Light,” an expertly crafted and musically powerful concert film that also weaves in documentary footage about the band, which marked 40 years together earlier this decade.
The film opens as Scorsese and his team of cameramen (consisting of numerous Oscar winners and Oscar nominees) are planning out the logistics of filming in the Beacon Theatre, an historic New York City venue, where the Stones are set to play two nights during their “A Bigger Bang” world tour in 2006. Humorously fretting over not knowing the band’s set list and the desire to have swooping cameras in use (to frontman Mick Jagger’s concern), Scorsese doesn’t waste much time getting to the concert. Tightly edited between the band’s two-night performance, which also consisted of a benefit show and birthday party for President Bill Clinton, the band looks to clearly be having a good time here.
Having endured a seemingly endless number of jokes about their age over, say, the past 20 years, many might have forgotten just how good the Stones can actually be in concert. “Shine a Light,” if nothing else, should prove to audiences that these old men can still rock. Featuring guest appearances by Jack White (of The White Stripes), Christina Aguilera and Buddy Guy (getting much respect from the Stones, especially from guitarist Keith Richards), the band isn’t at a point in their career where too many surprises take place on stage.
But perhaps the biggest surprise of all is that a rock ‘n’ roll band has been able to stick together for more than four decades, while still performing to sold-out audiences all over the world. With the numerous cameras on hand capturing the proceedings from practically all angles, this is likely the best-filmed concert of the band there has been, or ever will be. While the rest of the band doesn’t have the physical energy of Jagger (who is a still a veritable dynamo in his 60s), their musical chops are in fine form here, as Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts show that age is not a factor. Sure, the band has probably embraced the cold calculation of corporate rock more than they should have over the past couple of decades. But stripped of all that pretense in “Shine a Light,” for those couple of hours, you can clearly believe that (to paraphrase the Stones) time is on their side.
Grade: A-
(Rated PG-13 for brief strong language, drug references and smoking.)
Heston passes away
Charlton Heston, an Oscar-winning actor who memorably portrayed characters in big screen spectacles such as “Ben-Hur” and “The 10 Commandments,” passed away Saturday night at the age of 84.
More known in his later years for his political activism, namely in his role as president of the National Rifle Association, Heston carved out a movie career that spanned six decades. Aside from his Oscar-winning turn as the title character in “Ben-Hur” and his part as Moses in “The 10 Commandments,” Heston was also well-known for movies such as “Planet of the Apes,” “Julius Caesar” and “Touch of Evil.”
More known in his later years for his political activism, namely in his role as president of the National Rifle Association, Heston carved out a movie career that spanned six decades. Aside from his Oscar-winning turn as the title character in “Ben-Hur” and his part as Moses in “The 10 Commandments,” Heston was also well-known for movies such as “Planet of the Apes,” “Julius Caesar” and “Touch of Evil.”
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Movie Review: "Michael Clayton"
Starring George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton and Sydney PollackDirected by Tony Gilroy
Official Web site
In recent years, George Clooney has carved out a strong career playing cool and confident characters. And on the surface, it would look like his title character in "Michael Clayton" is of the same ilk. But look closer and you'll see a man barely keeping his head above water.
It's a smart career move for Clooney, giving him a great character in an intelligent and suspenseful screenplay from writer and first-time director Tony Gilroy. The story focuses on the apparent breakdown of a powerful attorney in a large corporate New York-based law firm, and Clayton's task of trying to contain the situation.
Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson, in a great performance) is the chief litigator for the firm in a class action lawsuit, defending U/North, an agrochemical company. He's also manic depressive and decides, under what he deems as a moment of clarity, to go off his medication, strip down during a deposition, and go running out into the streets. He knows the company is guilty and is simply tired of trying to defend them. This is clearly bad news for U/North, its in-house chief counsel (Oscar-winner Tilda Swinton) and Clayton's firm, which sends him in to try and reign in his longtime friend.
Performances are outstanding across the board, with the movie resisting the temptation to fall into clichés or offer easy answers. It requires attention, and chooses to not paint its characters with broad brushstrokes. Clooney's character is particularly memorable, as a man struggling in debt and knowing that he's basically nothing more than the firm's "janitor," meaning he cleans up messes its clients make. But he also understands that as long as he's good at it, his job, for better or worse, will always be needed.
Grade: A-
(Rated R for language, including some sexual dialogue.)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Casting the Bushes
It looks like Dubya is about to find his first lady. Elizabeth Banks (“Definitely, Maybe”) is very close to signing up as Laura Bush in “W,” director Oliver Stone’s upcoming biopic of George W. Bush. Filming is set to begin in a a few weeks with Josh Brolin (“No Country For Old Men”) already on board as the president.
Stone is also a co-writer on the script, which focuses on some of George’s wilder days of youth, along with his relationship with his father, George G.W. Bush. This marks Stone’s third film to center on events involving a presidency (“Nixon” and “JFK” are the other two). This film could be a fascinating portrait of a polarizing political figure. But it could also be fascinating in the way that a car wreck is to some people. Can’t imagine the Bushes would have Stone on their list of people to document their lives on the big screen.
Stone is also a co-writer on the script, which focuses on some of George’s wilder days of youth, along with his relationship with his father, George G.W. Bush. This marks Stone’s third film to center on events involving a presidency (“Nixon” and “JFK” are the other two). This film could be a fascinating portrait of a polarizing political figure. But it could also be fascinating in the way that a car wreck is to some people. Can’t imagine the Bushes would have Stone on their list of people to document their lives on the big screen.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Movie Review: "Bee Movie"
Starring the voices of Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, Patrick Warburton, John Goodman, Chris Rock and Oprah Winfrey
Directed by Steve Hickner and Simon J. Smith
Official Web site
Animated movies with animals have been a long favored genre in family-friendly movies over the years. But one begins to wonder with the seemingly constant stream of them over the past decade if there has been an oversaturation point met. That’s not to say that films, such as “Bee Movie,” an eminently watchable, yet somewhat creatively limited offering, can’t deliver solid entertainment. Still, it would be nice to see today’s animation releases try to divert resources to creating movies that don’t deal with talking animals. (I’ll give a pass to Pixar Animation, which has crafted a very impressive body of work in a short amount of time.)
Granted, I’m getting off the topic here, as “Bee Movie” does have something that no other animated movie has in the past – Jerry Seinfeld, who is the star and a co-writer on the film. Seinfeld voices Barry B. Benson, a recent school graduate who is about to enter into the workforce. Problem is, Barry isn’t ready to settle into a life of performing a repetitive task for the remainder of his life. He wants to get out and see the world, which is a veritable no-no in the bee culture. Unless, of course, you’re a pollen jock – tough bees that fly out of the hive to retrieve pollen. Barry sneaks along on one of the jocks’ outside excursions and, naturally, gets separated from the pack.
Finding himself saved by Vanessa (voiced by Renée Zellweger), a friendly florist, Barry decides to break another rule of the bee society, by actually speaking to a human. This sparks a friendship (with a kind of odd undertone of romance) between the two, as Barry continues to see Vanessa, to the dismay of his parents (Barry Levinson and Kathy Bates) and best friend, Adam (Matthew Broderick).
A bigger problem arises, however, when Barry realizes that all the hard work of making honey by the bees is going into creating products of consumption for humans. The fact that the insects who produce the honey are seeing no financial benefit from their work leads him to sue the human race. This leads to some amusing courtroom antics involving Barry, a melodramatic lawyer (John Goodman) and actor Ray Liotta (voiced by, well, Ray Liotta). Still, the end result of the trial and subsequent scenes that follow make for a weakened third act.
The script, concocted by Seinfeld and several scribes from his hit TV show, generates some laughs, but not as many as it probably should have. Unlike most episodes of his series, Seinfeld and his co-writers have to actually drive a plot for its 90-minute running time. And it’s in this area that the film sags a bit, as there doesn’t quite seem to be enough quality material to sustain it for the entire length.
The voice work by the A-list cast is good, and the animation is also notable, but falls short of excellent. Taken purely on a standalone basis, “Bee Movie” is entertaining, but nothing exceptional. And in an animation subgenre where animals speak, such as in great movies like “A Bug’s Life” and “Finding Nemo” (both Pixar films), the bar should be set high when a talent like Seinfeld gets involved.
Grade: B-
(Rated PG for mild suggestive humor, and a brief depiction of smoking.)
Here's the update ...
OK, I’ll admit it – I’ve been slacking at updating the movie blog lately (with lately being defined as the last few months). I could throw out any number of excuses at you, but when it comes down to it, you probably wouldn’t care. You just want updates, damnit! Well, here you go, first with a movie review (ahh, remember those?). Yes, believe it or not, I still have been watching movies from time to time. I just haven’t been writing about them. I also plan to start getting back to more movie news updates, at least on a weekly (or weakly) basis.
I’m also going to start incorporating some capsule reviews of movies (both new and older releases), with the occasional expanded review to appear. The capsule reviews will be more succinct, and hopefully, not as time consuming for me. The expanded reviews will normally be tied in with the ones I write from time to time at my regular newspaper job.
Hopefully, this will satiate the hunger that my devoted visitors to the blog (of which I’m sure there are at least more than one) have for more reviews.
We’ll see how long this newly committed me sticks around, as I dutifully try to fend off the endless distractions that life throws my way. But for now, let the updates commence!
- MC
I’m also going to start incorporating some capsule reviews of movies (both new and older releases), with the occasional expanded review to appear. The capsule reviews will be more succinct, and hopefully, not as time consuming for me. The expanded reviews will normally be tied in with the ones I write from time to time at my regular newspaper job.
Hopefully, this will satiate the hunger that my devoted visitors to the blog (of which I’m sure there are at least more than one) have for more reviews.
We’ll see how long this newly committed me sticks around, as I dutifully try to fend off the endless distractions that life throws my way. But for now, let the updates commence!
- MC
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Spring 2008 Movie Preview, Part 2
Judging by the schedule of releases for April, Hollywood is betting on audiences being ready to laugh, as comedies dominate the landscape for the month. Some of the comedies might be a little less cerebral than others (hello, Harold and Kumar!), but if they make you laugh, then who cares?
Here’s an overview of the films coming to theaters in April, keeping in mind release dates are subject to change.
APRIL
“Leatherheads”
Starring George Clooney, Renée Zellweger, John Krasinski, Jonathan Pryce
Directed by George Clooney
Having been pushed back from a 2007 release, this comedy about a ragtag football team has a winning cast in the lead roles, plus Clooney is directing and coming off of tons of recognition for “Michael Clayton.” The timing of this would seem to be about perfect – if only it were football season. (April 4)
Official Web site
“Shine A Light”
Starring Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood and Charlie Watts
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Filmed over a two-night appearance at the Beacon Theater in New York City during the Rolling Stones’ most recent tour, Oscar-winning director Scorsese looks to capture some of the seemingly endless musical energy of the legendary rock band in this documentary. The film is set for release in standard and IMAX movie theaters.(April 4)
Official Web site
“Nim’s Island”
Starring Abigail Breslin, Jodie Foster, Gerard Butler
Directed by Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin
With Breslin (“Little Miss Sunshine”) getting top billing here, it looks like young girls are an obvious target audience in this adventure film. Breslin plays a girl seeking help from her favorite author (Foster) when her island home becomes threatened by outsiders. Foster should help bring in adults, plus it’s nice to see the two-time Oscar winner playing a rare comic role. (April 4)
Official Web site
“Smart People”
Starring Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ellen Page and Thomas Haden Church
Directed by Noam Murro
A widowed English professor (Quaid) finds a new love come into his life, even as he has to deal with a rebellious daughter (Page) and the arrival of his ne’er-do-well brother (Church). Having picked up some strong notice at the Sundance Film Festival, the movie also benefits from having a red-hot Page in the cast, fresh off of “Juno.” (April 11)
Official Web site
“Street Kings”
Starring Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie, Chris Evans, Common, The Game
Directed by David Ayer
It seems to be getting difficult to put different spins on cop movies nowadays, but the people involved in this one might just make it worth a look. Director Ayer was the writer of “Training Day,” while the script was co-written by noted crime novelist James Ellroy (“L.A. Confidential”). Reeves stars as a cop that has to prove his innocence in the death of a fellow police officer. (April 11)
Official Web site
“Forgetting Sarah Marshall”
Starring Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Russell Brand, Mila Kunis, Paul Rudd, Jonah Hill, Bill Hader
Directed by Nicholas Stoller
Written and starring Segal, he plays the ex-boyfriend of the title character, an actress who dumps him for another guy. He heads to Hawaii to try and mend his broken heart, only to run into the new couple there. The movie is co-produced by Judd Apatow (who you might have heard of), and features several of his regulars in supporting roles. Billed as the “ultimate romantic disaster movie,” can Apatow and Co. strike box office gold again? (April 18)
Official Web site
“Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay”
Starring John Cho, Kal Penn, Paula Garcés, Roger Bart and Neil Patrick Harris
Directed by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Scholssberg
Never mind the fact this sequel is coming out four years later after the original, this “Harold and Kumar” adventure picks up on the same day the last movie ended. The duo decide to head to Amsterdam to pursue Harold’s new love (Garcés), but when Kumar is mistaken as a terrorist and some paraphernalia (such as a bong) is found in their possession, they are diverted to Guantanamo Bay. And yes, Neil Patrick Harris is back to hilariously skewer his image once again. (April 25)
Official Web site
“Baby Mama”
Starring Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Greg Kinnear, Dax Shepard, Romany Malco, Maura Tierney, Holland Taylor and Sigourney Weaver
Directed by Michael McCullers
A career driven woman (Fey) decides it’s time to have a child in her life. But the low odds of her ever successfully conceiving leads her to select a surrogate mother (Poehler), a rough around the edges working girl. The pairing of Fey and Poehler, who formerly worked together as co-anchors on “Weekend Update” on “Saturday Night Live” should be comedic gold and Fey’s stellar work on “30 Rock” has her poised to make a hit crossover into movies. (April 25)
Official Web site
Here’s an overview of the films coming to theaters in April, keeping in mind release dates are subject to change.
APRIL
“Leatherheads”
Starring George Clooney, Renée Zellweger, John Krasinski, Jonathan Pryce
Directed by George Clooney
Having been pushed back from a 2007 release, this comedy about a ragtag football team has a winning cast in the lead roles, plus Clooney is directing and coming off of tons of recognition for “Michael Clayton.” The timing of this would seem to be about perfect – if only it were football season. (April 4)
Official Web site
“Shine A Light”
Starring Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood and Charlie Watts
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Filmed over a two-night appearance at the Beacon Theater in New York City during the Rolling Stones’ most recent tour, Oscar-winning director Scorsese looks to capture some of the seemingly endless musical energy of the legendary rock band in this documentary. The film is set for release in standard and IMAX movie theaters.(April 4)
Official Web site
“Nim’s Island”
Starring Abigail Breslin, Jodie Foster, Gerard Butler
Directed by Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin
With Breslin (“Little Miss Sunshine”) getting top billing here, it looks like young girls are an obvious target audience in this adventure film. Breslin plays a girl seeking help from her favorite author (Foster) when her island home becomes threatened by outsiders. Foster should help bring in adults, plus it’s nice to see the two-time Oscar winner playing a rare comic role. (April 4)
Official Web site
“Smart People”
Starring Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ellen Page and Thomas Haden Church
Directed by Noam Murro
A widowed English professor (Quaid) finds a new love come into his life, even as he has to deal with a rebellious daughter (Page) and the arrival of his ne’er-do-well brother (Church). Having picked up some strong notice at the Sundance Film Festival, the movie also benefits from having a red-hot Page in the cast, fresh off of “Juno.” (April 11)
Official Web site
“Street Kings”
Starring Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie, Chris Evans, Common, The Game
Directed by David Ayer
It seems to be getting difficult to put different spins on cop movies nowadays, but the people involved in this one might just make it worth a look. Director Ayer was the writer of “Training Day,” while the script was co-written by noted crime novelist James Ellroy (“L.A. Confidential”). Reeves stars as a cop that has to prove his innocence in the death of a fellow police officer. (April 11)
Official Web site
“Forgetting Sarah Marshall”
Starring Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Russell Brand, Mila Kunis, Paul Rudd, Jonah Hill, Bill Hader
Directed by Nicholas Stoller
Written and starring Segal, he plays the ex-boyfriend of the title character, an actress who dumps him for another guy. He heads to Hawaii to try and mend his broken heart, only to run into the new couple there. The movie is co-produced by Judd Apatow (who you might have heard of), and features several of his regulars in supporting roles. Billed as the “ultimate romantic disaster movie,” can Apatow and Co. strike box office gold again? (April 18)
Official Web site
“Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay”
Starring John Cho, Kal Penn, Paula Garcés, Roger Bart and Neil Patrick Harris
Directed by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Scholssberg
Never mind the fact this sequel is coming out four years later after the original, this “Harold and Kumar” adventure picks up on the same day the last movie ended. The duo decide to head to Amsterdam to pursue Harold’s new love (Garcés), but when Kumar is mistaken as a terrorist and some paraphernalia (such as a bong) is found in their possession, they are diverted to Guantanamo Bay. And yes, Neil Patrick Harris is back to hilariously skewer his image once again. (April 25)
Official Web site
“Baby Mama”
Starring Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Greg Kinnear, Dax Shepard, Romany Malco, Maura Tierney, Holland Taylor and Sigourney Weaver
Directed by Michael McCullers
A career driven woman (Fey) decides it’s time to have a child in her life. But the low odds of her ever successfully conceiving leads her to select a surrogate mother (Poehler), a rough around the edges working girl. The pairing of Fey and Poehler, who formerly worked together as co-anchors on “Weekend Update” on “Saturday Night Live” should be comedic gold and Fey’s stellar work on “30 Rock” has her poised to make a hit crossover into movies. (April 25)
Official Web site
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Spring 2008 Movie Preview, Part 1
OK, so the writer’s strike is over and some new episodes of your favorite shows are soon going to be hitting the television airwaves in the coming weeks.
That doesn’t mean you have to forget about the movies that will be making their way into theaters as spring finally arrives. March and April usually have a mix of films that are veritable blockbusters, along with others that Hollywood studios just don’t quite feel are right for the summer.
Below is a glance at new releases for March, with April to follow soon.
MARCH
“College Road Trip”
Starring Martin Lawrence, Raven-Symoné, Donny Osmond
Directed by Roger Kumble
Comedian/actor Martin Lawrence has certainly never been one to favor subtlety in his movie selections, but it looks like he’s fully embracing toothless comedies nowadays. In this one, he’s an overprotective father escorting his daughter (Raven-Symoné) as she checks out prospective universities. Remember, Martin, this one’s rated G, so watch your mouth! (March 7)
Official Web site
“10,000 B.C.”
Starring Stephen Strait, Camilla Belle, Cliff Curtis
Directed by Roland Emmerich
A prehistoric action picture from the director of “Independence Day” faces the challenge of a huge budget with no stars and lots of special effects. But its obvious Warner Bros. has some hopes for the movie, as they are positioning the movie in much the same way they did “300” last year – and that turned out to be a smart move. (March 7)
Official Web site
“Doomsday”
Starring Rhona Mitra, Bob Hoskins, Adrian Lester and Malcom McDowell
Directed by Neil Marshall
A country is placed under quarantine by authorities after a deadly virus spreads, forcing an elite group of specialists to be deployed to retrieve a cure. If “28 Days Later” and “Mad Max” were meshed together, it might look a little bit like this movie’s trailer. (March 14)
Official Web site
“Dr. Suess’ Horton Hears a Who!”
Starring the voices of Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Carol Burnett, Josh Flitter, Will Arnett
Directed by Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino
Thankfully, we’re being spared a live-action version of the Dr. Suess classic here. Instead, a CG animated flick from the makers of the “Ice Age” series is being released, with some top notch comic vocal talent to boot. With sparse competition in the family-oriented field for March, Horton and the Whos should be sitting on a blockbuster. (March 14)
Official Web site
“Drillbit Taylor”
Starring Owen Wilson, Leslie Mann, Danny McBride, Josh Peck
Directed by Steven Brill
Threatened by a bully, a couple of teens hire a low-rent bodyguard (Wilson) for protection and to toughen them up. Wilson (in his first movie since his much publicized suicide attempt) looks to be playing his umpteenth variation on the lazy, easygoing beach bum character here. Still, Judd Apatow (“Knocked Up”) is producing, so it could be better than at first glance. (March 21)
Official Web site
“Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns”
Starring Angela Bassett, Jenifer Lewis, David Mann, Tyler Perry, Rick Fox
Directed by Tyler Perry
A single mother (Bassett) heads to the funeral of their father, taking her family in tow to meet her extended family. This film doesn’t look to be messing with Perry’s formula of mixing comedy with some drama, with his fan favorite character of Madea appearing in a cameo role. (March 21)
Official Web site
“21”
Starring Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, Laurence Fishburne and Kevin Spacey
Directed by Robert Luketic
This thriller is based on a best-selling book about a group of MIT students who become expert blackjack players by counting cards, and with the help of their math professor (Spacey), look to take on Las Vegas casinos. Sturgess and Bosworth play a couple of the brainy students who soon find themselves in over their head. (March 28)
Official Web site
“Stop-Loss”
Starring Ryan Phillippe, Abbie Cornish, Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Directed by Kimberly Peirce
Taking a mere nine years since her last movie (“Boys Don’t Cry”) director Kimberly Peirce returns with yet another film focusing on the Iraq war. Phillippe stars as a soldier who returns to his small town after competing a tour of duty, only to be told by the Army they want him to go back to Iraq. He refuses to go, setting up a controversial situation that his friends and family are forced to deal with. Movies dealing with Iraq have struggled mightily at the box office and this one could be facing a similar fate. (March 28)
Official Web site
That doesn’t mean you have to forget about the movies that will be making their way into theaters as spring finally arrives. March and April usually have a mix of films that are veritable blockbusters, along with others that Hollywood studios just don’t quite feel are right for the summer.
Below is a glance at new releases for March, with April to follow soon.
MARCH
“College Road Trip”
Starring Martin Lawrence, Raven-Symoné, Donny Osmond
Directed by Roger Kumble
Comedian/actor Martin Lawrence has certainly never been one to favor subtlety in his movie selections, but it looks like he’s fully embracing toothless comedies nowadays. In this one, he’s an overprotective father escorting his daughter (Raven-Symoné) as she checks out prospective universities. Remember, Martin, this one’s rated G, so watch your mouth! (March 7)
Official Web site
“10,000 B.C.”
Starring Stephen Strait, Camilla Belle, Cliff Curtis
Directed by Roland Emmerich
A prehistoric action picture from the director of “Independence Day” faces the challenge of a huge budget with no stars and lots of special effects. But its obvious Warner Bros. has some hopes for the movie, as they are positioning the movie in much the same way they did “300” last year – and that turned out to be a smart move. (March 7)
Official Web site
“Doomsday”
Starring Rhona Mitra, Bob Hoskins, Adrian Lester and Malcom McDowell
Directed by Neil Marshall
A country is placed under quarantine by authorities after a deadly virus spreads, forcing an elite group of specialists to be deployed to retrieve a cure. If “28 Days Later” and “Mad Max” were meshed together, it might look a little bit like this movie’s trailer. (March 14)
Official Web site
“Dr. Suess’ Horton Hears a Who!”
Starring the voices of Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Carol Burnett, Josh Flitter, Will Arnett
Directed by Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino
Thankfully, we’re being spared a live-action version of the Dr. Suess classic here. Instead, a CG animated flick from the makers of the “Ice Age” series is being released, with some top notch comic vocal talent to boot. With sparse competition in the family-oriented field for March, Horton and the Whos should be sitting on a blockbuster. (March 14)
Official Web site
“Drillbit Taylor”
Starring Owen Wilson, Leslie Mann, Danny McBride, Josh Peck
Directed by Steven Brill
Threatened by a bully, a couple of teens hire a low-rent bodyguard (Wilson) for protection and to toughen them up. Wilson (in his first movie since his much publicized suicide attempt) looks to be playing his umpteenth variation on the lazy, easygoing beach bum character here. Still, Judd Apatow (“Knocked Up”) is producing, so it could be better than at first glance. (March 21)
Official Web site
“Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns”
Starring Angela Bassett, Jenifer Lewis, David Mann, Tyler Perry, Rick Fox
Directed by Tyler Perry
A single mother (Bassett) heads to the funeral of their father, taking her family in tow to meet her extended family. This film doesn’t look to be messing with Perry’s formula of mixing comedy with some drama, with his fan favorite character of Madea appearing in a cameo role. (March 21)
Official Web site
“21”
Starring Jim Sturgess, Kate Bosworth, Laurence Fishburne and Kevin Spacey
Directed by Robert Luketic
This thriller is based on a best-selling book about a group of MIT students who become expert blackjack players by counting cards, and with the help of their math professor (Spacey), look to take on Las Vegas casinos. Sturgess and Bosworth play a couple of the brainy students who soon find themselves in over their head. (March 28)
Official Web site
“Stop-Loss”
Starring Ryan Phillippe, Abbie Cornish, Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Directed by Kimberly Peirce
Taking a mere nine years since her last movie (“Boys Don’t Cry”) director Kimberly Peirce returns with yet another film focusing on the Iraq war. Phillippe stars as a soldier who returns to his small town after competing a tour of duty, only to be told by the Army they want him to go back to Iraq. He refuses to go, setting up a controversial situation that his friends and family are forced to deal with. Movies dealing with Iraq have struggled mightily at the box office and this one could be facing a similar fate. (March 28)
Official Web site
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Movie Review: "A Mighty Heart"
Starring Angelina Jolie, Dan Futterman, Irfan Khan, Archie Panjabi, Will Patton
Directed by Michael Winterbottom
Official Web site
While the tragic fate of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl is well known and documented, the filmmakers behind the tense and thoughtful “A Mighty Heart” take a somewhat quiet approach to the material. This strategy diffuses some of the tension of the unfolding story, but the subject matter is still compelling enough to hold viewer interest.
The central strength of the film is Angelina Jolie’s gripping performance as Pearl’s pregnant wife, Mariane, who must delve deep to find strength after her husband is abducted by terrorists in Pakistan. Jolie plays the part extremely well and is utterly convincing as the wife of a journalist who fully knows the risk her husband and she face when working in countries with strong terrorist connections. Mariane is a journalist herself and believes very strongly in what her husband was writing about. She proves so in a strong scene after Pearl has been abducted, standing up to a Pakistani government official when he brings her husband’s role as a journalist into question.
Based on the memoir of Mariane Pearl and written by John Orloff, the movie generally stays focused on the day of Pearl’s abduction and the subsequent investigation and media coverage that ensued. Although there were undoubtedly a countless number of people assisting in the search for Pearl and his kidnappers, director Michael Winterbottom wisely avoids drowning the storyline with an overabundance of characters. Still, very few make much of an impact on the story, save for the strong performance of Irfan Khan as the head of Pakistani counter-terrorism. Pearl himself is played to good effect in limited screen time by Dan Futterman, who is mostly seen in flashbacks with his wife.
Although the vicious execution of Pearl was widely circulated on video, Winterbottom wisely spares audiences from witnessing it. Instead, a few of the characters’ reaction to the video is all we see – and all we need to see. Maintaining a focused and strong resolve through much of the picture, Jolie captures Mariane’s reaction to news of her husband’s death with a heartbreaking intensity. Having won an Oscar for “Girl, Interrupted” several years ago, Jolie’s skills as an actress have been almost forgotten in the time since. But this role proves she’s still a very good actress when the material matches her talent.
“A Mighty Heart” has some tension-filled moments in it, but isn’t targeted as a thriller. Rather, it has an almost documentary feel to it, with the action unfolding matter-of-factly. Since the end result of the investigation is known ahead of time, some of the film’s effectiveness is drained.
It would have been easy for the makers of “A Mighty Heart” to take some liberties with the story and punch up the action. The fact that they choose not to is a decision that doesn’t necessarily serve the commercial prospects of the film. Yet it does serve the memory of Daniel Pearl and the family he leaves behind. In the end, that has got to be worth much more than the amount of money the movie makes.
Grade: B
(Rated R for language.)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Movie Review: "The Hoax"
Starring Richard Gere, Alfred Molina, Marcia Gay Harden, Hope Davis, Julie Delpy and Stanley Tucci
Directed by Lasse Hallstrom
Official Web site
The old adage that sometimes life is stranger than fiction could certainly apply to the author Clifford Irving, who perpetrated the biggest scam in book publishing history in the early 1970s when he claimed to have written the autobiography of reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes.
Details of the dangerously bold decision by Irving are portrayed in “The Hoax,” an entertaining, yet uneven look into how so many seemingly intelligent people were fooled for so long. Portrayed by Richard Gere, in one of his best performances, Irving is an author on the cusp of a big contract with publishing giant McGraw-Hill. But when his book deal falls apart, Irving is left with some big debts to pay and is seemingly desperate for answers to his problem.
Seeing a magazine story about Hughes provides him with the inspiration for his next book. Of course, the primary problem with his book was that Hughes was a recluse by this point in his life, rarely talking with anyone, even his closest advisors. Irving decides to use this information to his advantage in writing his book. While he wouldn’t actually have access to Hughes, he also gambled that the billionaire wouldn’t likely want to break his silence to refute the book.
With the assistance of his friend and researcher Dick Susskind (Alfred Molina, in a lively performance), Irving sets out to assemble the book, claiming to McGraw-Hill and Life magazine that he has direct access to Hughes. He proves to be a rather affable and adept con man in this process, coming up with convincing handwriting samples and wild demands that the publishers felt compelled to believe. After all, Hughes had long been considered extremely eccentric, so the information Irving was feeding them was hard to dispute.
The script by William Wheeler, an adaptation of Irving’s book on the subject, is perceptive and features a number of great showdowns between Irving and various skeptics in the publishing company. In several instances, Irving looks to be backed into an inescapable corner, only to somehow emerge unscathed. The public’s desire to want to know more about Hughes likely fueled the desire to believe anything that was being dropped in front of them.
While Gere is very good as Irving, some elements of his life are skimmed over, such as his strained relationship with his wife Edith (Marcia Gay Harden). Plus, the pacing by director Lasse Hallstrom is somewhat sluggish, as it spends too much time getting to the publishers’ attempts to poke holes in his story. Then, the movie chooses to gloss over the end result of the scam once it starts to unravel.
Despite its occasional missteps, “The Hoax” still manages to fascinate, presenting a man who realized that some people, when given a tantalizing and mysterious subject such as Howard Hughes, are willing to believe almost anything. But, as with all crimes, Irving also learned the importance of not getting caught.
Grade: B
(Rated R for language.)
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Strike up the Academy Awards
Coming on the heels of a truly forgettable and completely star-free Golden Globes awards show (make that “press conference”), comes the announcement of the Academy Awards on Tuesday, Jan. 22. The top nominees certainly fall towards darker material, as “There Will Be Blood” and “No Country For Old Men” each garnered eight nominations. Just behind them comes the thriller “MIchael Clayton” and period drama “Atonement,” with both grabbing seven nominations. With so many films getting a fairly equal number of nominations, there certainly seem to be some open races, including Best Picture, with most various critics awards seeming to split on the top film of the year.
Of course, the bigger news that overshadows the nominations themselves is the ongoing writers strike that has crippled Hollywood for more than two months. Producers of the Oscar telecast maintain their determination to go on with the show Feb. 24, with or without writers. That could force nominees to make a choice whether or not to cross the picket line come Oscar night, if the strike continues.
Visit here for a complete list of the nominees.
The following is a roundup of some of the major categories and an early look at the prospects for some of the nominees.
Best Picture
“Atonement”
“Juno”
“Michael Clayton”
“No Country For Old Men”
“There Will Be Blood”
Hooray for the funny and quirky “Juno” grabbing a nod here, much like the similarly clever movie “Little Miss Sunshine” did last year. Still, it’s in some pretty heady company here, with no clear front-runner at this time.
Best Director
Julian Schnabel, “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”
Jason Reitman, “Juno”
Tony Gilroy, “Michael Clayton”
Joel and Ethan Coen, “No Country For Old Men”
Paul Thomas Anderson, “There Will Be Blood”
Five of the six names in this category received their first nomination, with only Joel Coen having previously received one. He shares directing credit with his brother Ethan this time out, with the Coens actually earning three nominations this time out (writing and editing, with the latter nomination under the pseudonym Roderick Jaynes). This one is another wide open race, it would seem.
Best Actor
George Clooney, “Michael Clayton”
Daniel Day-Lewis, “There Will Be Blood”
Johnny Depp, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
Tommy Lee Jones, “In the Valley of Elah”
Viggo Mortensen, “Eastern Promises”
This category is packed with some truly great acting talent with three previous winners (Clooney, Day-Lewis and Jones) and another regular nominee (Depp). All the performances have been raved about by critics, but Day-Lewis has been winning most of the awards up to now, which would seem to make him the man to beat.
Best Actress
Cate Blanchett, “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”
Julie Christie, “Away From Her”
Marion Cotillard, “La Vie En Rose”
Laura Linney, “The Savages”
Ellen Page, “Juno”
Although the newcomer Page could be a darkhorse in this race, most critic awards have been split between Christie and Cotillard, with each picking up Golden Globes.
Best Supporting Actor
Casey Affleck, “The Assassination of Jesse James By the Coward Robert Ford”
Javier Bardem, “No Country For Old Men”
Philip Seymour Hoffman, “Charlie Wilson’s War”
Hal Holbrook, “Into the Wild”
Tom Wilkinson, “Michael Clayton”
Bardem has been the one getting the most notice for his chilling portrayal of a cold-blooded killer in “No Country,” but Wilkinson may prove to be strong competition as a powerful lawyer overcome with a crisis of conscience in “Michael Clayton.”
Best Supporting Actress
Cate Blanchett, “I’m Not There”
Ruby Dee, “American Gangster”
Saoirse Ronan, “Atonement”
Amy Ryan, “Gone Baby Gone”
Tilda Swinton, “Michael Clayton”
Wow, does the Academy love Cate Blanchett, or what? The Oscar-winner picked up a pair of acting nominations this year on top of the one she got last year and the win she had two years prior. She’s the odds-on favorite here, and unlike the other nominees, she had to play a man (none other than musician Bob Dylan) for her role.
Best Original Screenplay
“Juno”
“Lars and the Real Girl”
“Michael Clayton”
“Ratatouille”
“The Savages”
Unlike the adapted screenplay, there’s quite a bit lighter material nominated here, save for “Michael Clayton” and to a lesser degree, “The Savages.” This might be the category that “Juno” has the best shot at winning.
Best Adapted Screenplay
“Atonement”
”Away From Her”
“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”
“No Country For Old Men”
“There Will Be Blood”
There’s lots of good material to choose from here, with a rather unclear picture of the eventual winner. This category will likely ruin many Oscar betting pools, for those so inclined to gamble on such things.
Of course, the bigger news that overshadows the nominations themselves is the ongoing writers strike that has crippled Hollywood for more than two months. Producers of the Oscar telecast maintain their determination to go on with the show Feb. 24, with or without writers. That could force nominees to make a choice whether or not to cross the picket line come Oscar night, if the strike continues.
Visit here for a complete list of the nominees.
The following is a roundup of some of the major categories and an early look at the prospects for some of the nominees.
Best Picture
“Atonement”
“Juno”
“Michael Clayton”
“No Country For Old Men”
“There Will Be Blood”
Hooray for the funny and quirky “Juno” grabbing a nod here, much like the similarly clever movie “Little Miss Sunshine” did last year. Still, it’s in some pretty heady company here, with no clear front-runner at this time.
Best Director
Julian Schnabel, “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”
Jason Reitman, “Juno”
Tony Gilroy, “Michael Clayton”
Joel and Ethan Coen, “No Country For Old Men”
Paul Thomas Anderson, “There Will Be Blood”
Five of the six names in this category received their first nomination, with only Joel Coen having previously received one. He shares directing credit with his brother Ethan this time out, with the Coens actually earning three nominations this time out (writing and editing, with the latter nomination under the pseudonym Roderick Jaynes). This one is another wide open race, it would seem.
Best Actor
George Clooney, “Michael Clayton”
Daniel Day-Lewis, “There Will Be Blood”
Johnny Depp, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
Tommy Lee Jones, “In the Valley of Elah”
Viggo Mortensen, “Eastern Promises”
This category is packed with some truly great acting talent with three previous winners (Clooney, Day-Lewis and Jones) and another regular nominee (Depp). All the performances have been raved about by critics, but Day-Lewis has been winning most of the awards up to now, which would seem to make him the man to beat.
Best Actress
Cate Blanchett, “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”
Julie Christie, “Away From Her”
Marion Cotillard, “La Vie En Rose”
Laura Linney, “The Savages”
Ellen Page, “Juno”
Although the newcomer Page could be a darkhorse in this race, most critic awards have been split between Christie and Cotillard, with each picking up Golden Globes.
Best Supporting Actor
Casey Affleck, “The Assassination of Jesse James By the Coward Robert Ford”
Javier Bardem, “No Country For Old Men”
Philip Seymour Hoffman, “Charlie Wilson’s War”
Hal Holbrook, “Into the Wild”
Tom Wilkinson, “Michael Clayton”
Bardem has been the one getting the most notice for his chilling portrayal of a cold-blooded killer in “No Country,” but Wilkinson may prove to be strong competition as a powerful lawyer overcome with a crisis of conscience in “Michael Clayton.”
Best Supporting Actress
Cate Blanchett, “I’m Not There”
Ruby Dee, “American Gangster”
Saoirse Ronan, “Atonement”
Amy Ryan, “Gone Baby Gone”
Tilda Swinton, “Michael Clayton”
Wow, does the Academy love Cate Blanchett, or what? The Oscar-winner picked up a pair of acting nominations this year on top of the one she got last year and the win she had two years prior. She’s the odds-on favorite here, and unlike the other nominees, she had to play a man (none other than musician Bob Dylan) for her role.
Best Original Screenplay
“Juno”
“Lars and the Real Girl”
“Michael Clayton”
“Ratatouille”
“The Savages”
Unlike the adapted screenplay, there’s quite a bit lighter material nominated here, save for “Michael Clayton” and to a lesser degree, “The Savages.” This might be the category that “Juno” has the best shot at winning.
Best Adapted Screenplay
“Atonement”
”Away From Her”
“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”
“No Country For Old Men”
“There Will Be Blood”
There’s lots of good material to choose from here, with a rather unclear picture of the eventual winner. This category will likely ruin many Oscar betting pools, for those so inclined to gamble on such things.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Winter 2008 Movie Preview (Part 2)
New movie releases for February take a slant towards comedy and, to no one’s surprise, romance. After all, Valentine’s Day falls smack dab in the middle of the month, and Hollywood is nothing if not opportunistic. Modest hits could emerge from this month’s roster, with Will Ferrell’s latest, set to arrive on Leap Day, poised to be another box office smash.
Below is a look at some of the month’s highlights, with release dates subject to change.
FEBRUARY
“The Eye”
Starring Jessica Alba, Alessandro Nivola, Parker Posey, Rade Serbedzua
Directed by David Moreau and Xavier Palud
Just like last month, February also leads off with another Japanese horror movie remake. This time out, it’s Alba playing the supposed damsel in distress. In it, she receives an eye transplant and starts seeing some creepy visions. (Feb. 1)
Official Web site
“Fool’s Gold”
Starring Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson, Donald Sutherland, Ewen Bremmer and Ray Winstone
Directed by Andy Tennant
McConaughey and Hudson (“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”) reunite for a romantic comedy about an estranged couple finding some common ground during the search for hidden treasure. (Feb. 8)
Official Web site
“Jumper”
Starring Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Diane Lane, Jamie Bell, Rachel Bilson, Tom Hulce
Directed by Doug Liman
Christensen stars as a young man who learns he has the ability to
teleport anywhere. This leads him to discover others like him, some of
whom have more evil desires. A good cast and director looks to lift
what most would probably see as B-grade material. (Feb. 14)
Official Web site
“The Spiderwick Chronicles”
Starring Freddie Highmore, Sarah Bolger, Mary-Louise Parker, Nick Nolte, Joan Plowright and David Strathairn
Directed by Mark Waters
Another series of children’s books makes its debut on the big screen, with Highmore playing dual roles as twin brothers dealing with strange occurrences at his family’s new home. This film is delayed from a 2007 release, but Paramount Pictures seems to have high hopes for it. (Feb. 15)
Official Web site
“Definitely, Maybe”
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Abigail Breslin, Elizabeth Banks, Isla Fisher and Rachel Weisz
Directed by Adam Brooks
Here comes the prerequisite romantic comedy coming out right around Valentine’s Day, with Reynolds starring as a man explaining his past relationship history with his daughter (Breslin), one of which includes his soon-to-be ex-wife. Kind of a sappy premise, but the cast at least looks good. (Feb. 15)
Official Web site
“Vantage Point”
Starring Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Forest Whitaker, Sigourney Weaver and William Hurt
Directed by Pete Travis
An assassination attempt against the President of the United States
(Hurt) is depicted from multiple viewpoints in this action-thriller
which features a strong cast and a first-time director. (Feb. 22)
Official Web site
“Semi-Pro”
Starring Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, André Benjamin, Maura Tierney, Will Arnett, David Koechner
Directed by Kent Alterman
Ferrell is back in sports comedy mode, taking on basketball this time
as a owner/coach/player on a struggling hoops franchise. A solid
comedic track record combined with not-so-tough box office competition
should lead to some good results for Ferrell and Co. (Feb. 29)
Official Web site
Below is a look at some of the month’s highlights, with release dates subject to change.
FEBRUARY
“The Eye”
Starring Jessica Alba, Alessandro Nivola, Parker Posey, Rade Serbedzua
Directed by David Moreau and Xavier Palud
Just like last month, February also leads off with another Japanese horror movie remake. This time out, it’s Alba playing the supposed damsel in distress. In it, she receives an eye transplant and starts seeing some creepy visions. (Feb. 1)
Official Web site
“Fool’s Gold”
Starring Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson, Donald Sutherland, Ewen Bremmer and Ray Winstone
Directed by Andy Tennant
McConaughey and Hudson (“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”) reunite for a romantic comedy about an estranged couple finding some common ground during the search for hidden treasure. (Feb. 8)
Official Web site
“Jumper”
Starring Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Diane Lane, Jamie Bell, Rachel Bilson, Tom Hulce
Directed by Doug Liman
Christensen stars as a young man who learns he has the ability to
teleport anywhere. This leads him to discover others like him, some of
whom have more evil desires. A good cast and director looks to lift
what most would probably see as B-grade material. (Feb. 14)
Official Web site
“The Spiderwick Chronicles”
Starring Freddie Highmore, Sarah Bolger, Mary-Louise Parker, Nick Nolte, Joan Plowright and David Strathairn
Directed by Mark Waters
Another series of children’s books makes its debut on the big screen, with Highmore playing dual roles as twin brothers dealing with strange occurrences at his family’s new home. This film is delayed from a 2007 release, but Paramount Pictures seems to have high hopes for it. (Feb. 15)
Official Web site
“Definitely, Maybe”
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Abigail Breslin, Elizabeth Banks, Isla Fisher and Rachel Weisz
Directed by Adam Brooks
Here comes the prerequisite romantic comedy coming out right around Valentine’s Day, with Reynolds starring as a man explaining his past relationship history with his daughter (Breslin), one of which includes his soon-to-be ex-wife. Kind of a sappy premise, but the cast at least looks good. (Feb. 15)
Official Web site
“Vantage Point”
Starring Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Forest Whitaker, Sigourney Weaver and William Hurt
Directed by Pete Travis
An assassination attempt against the President of the United States
(Hurt) is depicted from multiple viewpoints in this action-thriller
which features a strong cast and a first-time director. (Feb. 22)
Official Web site
“Semi-Pro”
Starring Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, André Benjamin, Maura Tierney, Will Arnett, David Koechner
Directed by Kent Alterman
Ferrell is back in sports comedy mode, taking on basketball this time
as a owner/coach/player on a struggling hoops franchise. A solid
comedic track record combined with not-so-tough box office competition
should lead to some good results for Ferrell and Co. (Feb. 29)
Official Web site
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Winter 2008 Movie Preview (Part 1)
With the strike by the Writers Guild of America now stretching into weeks, the television options for seeing new episodes are getting noticeably thin.
Such a problem isn’t really striking the movie industry yet, as most films that are hitting theaters completed production months ago. So for audiences seeking to avoid the arriving onslaught of repeats on TV, movie theaters should have plenty of options in the coming months.
Keep in mind, the selections for the next couple of months in theaters will be a decidedly mixed lot, as Oscar material has largely been burned through. But hopefully, there will be a few gems in the rough.
The following is a look at January’s releases, with February to follow soon.
JANUARY
“One Missed Call”
Starring Edward Burns, Shannyn Sossamon, Azura Skye, Ana Claudia Talancon, Ray Wise
Directed by Eric Valette
Another remake of a Japanese horror film has arrived, with this one focusing on mysterious deaths that start occurring after people receive disturbing voice mails on their phone. How many more from this genre can possibly be left to bring to America? (Jan. 4)
Official Web site
“27 Dresses”
Starring Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman, Judy Greer and Edward Burns
Directed by Anne Fletcher
In this comedy, Heigl plays a 27-time bridesmaid (who would have that many close friends?) who has feelings for her sister’s husband-to-be. After a successful starring role in last summer’s “Knocked Up,” Heigl looks to strengthen her popularity on the big screen. (Jan. 11)
Official Web site
“Cloverfield”
Starring Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas
Directed by Matt Reeves
The teaser trailer for this film, produced by J.J. Abrams (“Lost,”
“Alias”) debuted last summer to heavy buzz. The film’s story has
largely remained under wraps, but involves an invasion of New York by
monsters, or something of that nature. Could be a sleeper hit. (Jan. 18)
Official Web site
“Mad Money”
Starring Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, Katie Holmes, Ted Danson, Stephen Root, Christopher McDonald, Adam Rothenberg, Roger Cross
Directed by Callie Khouri
Money that is set to be destroyed by the Federal Reserve is targeted
for theft by a trio of janitors (Keaton, Latifah and Holmes) who work
at the facility. If these three can pull off that kind of heist, I’m
guessing Federal Reserve employees aren’t being painted as too
intelligent. (Jan. 18)
Official Web site
“Rambo”
Starring Sylvester Stallone, Julie Benz, Paul Schulze, Matthew Marsden, Graham McTavish
Directed by Sylvester Stallone
Having achieved some success with his last chapter of the “Rocky” series, Stallone is back looking for a fitting coda (at least I’d hope it’s the end) to his “Rambo” series. Then again, who was asking for this one? (Jan. 25)
Official Web site
“Untraceable”
Starring Diane Lane, Billy Burke, Colin Hanks, Joseph Cross, Mary Beth Hurt
Directed by Gregory Hoblit
Lane plays a cop trying to track down a serial killer who posts his crimes over the Internet in this thriller from the director of “Fracture.” The cops chasing a serial killer is a frequent plot of thrillers, but Lane starring gives some hope that this one won’t be so cliché. (Jan. 25)
Official Web site
Such a problem isn’t really striking the movie industry yet, as most films that are hitting theaters completed production months ago. So for audiences seeking to avoid the arriving onslaught of repeats on TV, movie theaters should have plenty of options in the coming months.
Keep in mind, the selections for the next couple of months in theaters will be a decidedly mixed lot, as Oscar material has largely been burned through. But hopefully, there will be a few gems in the rough.
The following is a look at January’s releases, with February to follow soon.
JANUARY
“One Missed Call”
Starring Edward Burns, Shannyn Sossamon, Azura Skye, Ana Claudia Talancon, Ray Wise
Directed by Eric Valette
Another remake of a Japanese horror film has arrived, with this one focusing on mysterious deaths that start occurring after people receive disturbing voice mails on their phone. How many more from this genre can possibly be left to bring to America? (Jan. 4)
Official Web site
“27 Dresses”
Starring Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman, Judy Greer and Edward Burns
Directed by Anne Fletcher
In this comedy, Heigl plays a 27-time bridesmaid (who would have that many close friends?) who has feelings for her sister’s husband-to-be. After a successful starring role in last summer’s “Knocked Up,” Heigl looks to strengthen her popularity on the big screen. (Jan. 11)
Official Web site
“Cloverfield”
Starring Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas
Directed by Matt Reeves
The teaser trailer for this film, produced by J.J. Abrams (“Lost,”
“Alias”) debuted last summer to heavy buzz. The film’s story has
largely remained under wraps, but involves an invasion of New York by
monsters, or something of that nature. Could be a sleeper hit. (Jan. 18)
Official Web site
“Mad Money”
Starring Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, Katie Holmes, Ted Danson, Stephen Root, Christopher McDonald, Adam Rothenberg, Roger Cross
Directed by Callie Khouri
Money that is set to be destroyed by the Federal Reserve is targeted
for theft by a trio of janitors (Keaton, Latifah and Holmes) who work
at the facility. If these three can pull off that kind of heist, I’m
guessing Federal Reserve employees aren’t being painted as too
intelligent. (Jan. 18)
Official Web site
“Rambo”
Starring Sylvester Stallone, Julie Benz, Paul Schulze, Matthew Marsden, Graham McTavish
Directed by Sylvester Stallone
Having achieved some success with his last chapter of the “Rocky” series, Stallone is back looking for a fitting coda (at least I’d hope it’s the end) to his “Rambo” series. Then again, who was asking for this one? (Jan. 25)
Official Web site
“Untraceable”
Starring Diane Lane, Billy Burke, Colin Hanks, Joseph Cross, Mary Beth Hurt
Directed by Gregory Hoblit
Lane plays a cop trying to track down a serial killer who posts his crimes over the Internet in this thriller from the director of “Fracture.” The cops chasing a serial killer is a frequent plot of thrillers, but Lane starring gives some hope that this one won’t be so cliché. (Jan. 25)
Official Web site
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Holiday Movie Preview 2007 (Part 2)
December brings out another film based on a best-selling batch of fantasy books (“The Golden Compass”), a sequel, a musical and the pairing of Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. Not a bad month for movies, or so it seems. Here’s a rundown of some of the more notable releases coming by year’s end.
“The Golden Compass”
Starring Nicole Kidman, Sam Elliott, Eva Green, Dakota Blue Richards and Daniel Craig
Directed by Chris Weitz
After initially bowing out of the project, Weitz returned after replacement director Anand Tucker left the first adaptation of a trio of popular fantasy books by Philip Pullman. New Line Cinema is looking at this as their next possible “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. No pressure
or anything. (Dec. 7)
Official Web site
“I Am Legend”
Starring Will Smith, Alice Braga, Salli Richardson
Directed by Francis Lawrence
Smith is labeled in this thriller as the last man on Earth, where a biological attack has left everyone else zombies. This survival story will likely depend on Smith’s charisma to keep from being a total downer. (Dec. 14)
Official Web site
“National Treasure: Book of Secrets”
Starring Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Jon Voight, Ed Harris, Helen Mirren, Harvey Keitel
Directed by Jon Turteltaub
Some might be wondering why “National Treasure” would be getting a sequel. But this is one of those Nicolas Cage movies that was actually a surprise hit when it hit theaters in 2004. Cage is back as the treasure hunter trying to uncover nothing less than a worldwide conspiracy. Man, those are the worst kind of conspiracies!
(Dec. 21)
Official Web site
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
Starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall and Sacha Baron Cohen
Directed by Tim Burton
Easily one of the most intriguing movies of the year, Depp is back in another Tim Burton film, portraying a barber with a taste for violence – an adaptation of a Stephen Sondheim musical. In case you’re wondering, there is a lot of singing in this by the cast, which also features none other than the versatile Cohen (“Borat”). This is certainly a risky venture, but Depp’s never been hotter and Burton has a knack for dark material. (Dec. 21)
Official Web site
“Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story”
Starring John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, Tim Meadows, Kristen Wiig
Directed by Jake Kasdan
It’s good to see Reilly getting a chance to head up a high-profile movie, after so many memorable supporting roles. This one is a satirical biopic about a Dewey Cox (Reilly), a fictional musician that covers six decades and a ton of women in his life. “Walk Hard” could mark the third hit movie of 2007 involving Judd Apatow (“Knocked Up,” “Superbad”), who co-wrote the film with director Kasdan.
(Dec. 21)
Official Web site
“Charlie Wilson’s War”
Starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Emily Blunt
Directed by Mike Nichols
An adaptation of a 2003 best-selling book by George Crile, the screenplay is by Aaron Sorkin (“The West Wing”), directed by an Oscar winner (Nichols) and starring three Oscar winners (Hanks, Roberts and Hoffman). There could be a lot of awards waiting for this film, which tells the story of a congressman (Hanks) who teams up with a CIA agent (Hoffman) and a socialite (Roberts) to arm Afghan rebels against the Soviet Union. (Dec. 25)
Official Web site
“The Golden Compass”
Starring Nicole Kidman, Sam Elliott, Eva Green, Dakota Blue Richards and Daniel Craig
Directed by Chris Weitz
After initially bowing out of the project, Weitz returned after replacement director Anand Tucker left the first adaptation of a trio of popular fantasy books by Philip Pullman. New Line Cinema is looking at this as their next possible “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. No pressure
or anything. (Dec. 7)
Official Web site
“I Am Legend”
Starring Will Smith, Alice Braga, Salli Richardson
Directed by Francis Lawrence
Smith is labeled in this thriller as the last man on Earth, where a biological attack has left everyone else zombies. This survival story will likely depend on Smith’s charisma to keep from being a total downer. (Dec. 14)
Official Web site
“National Treasure: Book of Secrets”
Starring Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Jon Voight, Ed Harris, Helen Mirren, Harvey Keitel
Directed by Jon Turteltaub
Some might be wondering why “National Treasure” would be getting a sequel. But this is one of those Nicolas Cage movies that was actually a surprise hit when it hit theaters in 2004. Cage is back as the treasure hunter trying to uncover nothing less than a worldwide conspiracy. Man, those are the worst kind of conspiracies!
(Dec. 21)
Official Web site
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
Starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall and Sacha Baron Cohen
Directed by Tim Burton
Easily one of the most intriguing movies of the year, Depp is back in another Tim Burton film, portraying a barber with a taste for violence – an adaptation of a Stephen Sondheim musical. In case you’re wondering, there is a lot of singing in this by the cast, which also features none other than the versatile Cohen (“Borat”). This is certainly a risky venture, but Depp’s never been hotter and Burton has a knack for dark material. (Dec. 21)
Official Web site
“Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story”
Starring John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, Tim Meadows, Kristen Wiig
Directed by Jake Kasdan
It’s good to see Reilly getting a chance to head up a high-profile movie, after so many memorable supporting roles. This one is a satirical biopic about a Dewey Cox (Reilly), a fictional musician that covers six decades and a ton of women in his life. “Walk Hard” could mark the third hit movie of 2007 involving Judd Apatow (“Knocked Up,” “Superbad”), who co-wrote the film with director Kasdan.
(Dec. 21)
Official Web site
“Charlie Wilson’s War”
Starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Emily Blunt
Directed by Mike Nichols
An adaptation of a 2003 best-selling book by George Crile, the screenplay is by Aaron Sorkin (“The West Wing”), directed by an Oscar winner (Nichols) and starring three Oscar winners (Hanks, Roberts and Hoffman). There could be a lot of awards waiting for this film, which tells the story of a congressman (Hanks) who teams up with a CIA agent (Hoffman) and a socialite (Roberts) to arm Afghan rebels against the Soviet Union. (Dec. 25)
Official Web site
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Holiday Movie Preview 2007 (Part 1)
A healthy dose of family-friendly pics and Oscar-aspiring selections dot the cinematic landscape for November. Big stars such as Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep are featured, along with animated movies coming from at least one unlikely source (Jerry Seinfeld). So here’s a look at some of the highlights for the month.
NOVEMBER
“American Gangster”
Starring Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Chiwetel Ojiofor, Cuba Gooding Jr., Josh Brolin
Directed by Ridley Scott
A powerhouse acting duo headline a movie that has got Oscar aspirations written all over it. The two leads, director (Scott) and screenwriter (Steven Zaillian) have all won Academy Awards before. In this crime drama, Washington plays real-life 1970 drug lord Frank Lucas, while Crowe portrays the obsessed detective intent on catching him. (Nov. 2)
Official Web site
“Bee Movie”
Starring the voices of Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, Patrick Warburton, John Goodman and Chris Rock
Directed by Steve Hickner and Simon J. Smith
Joining in on the seemingly ever-growing CG animated animal craze, Seinfeld plays a bee despondent over the lack of career choices for him. He then decides to sue the human race in an attempt to obtain honey profits. With a standout vocal cast at his disposal and several veteran “Seinfeld” writers on board, this comedy should be one of the can’t-miss films of the season. (Nov. 2)
Official Web site
“Lions for Lambs”
Starring Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise, Michael Pena, Andrew Garfield and Derek Luke
Directed by Robert Redford
Wearing its political leanings on its sleeve, “Lions for Lambs” takes a topical look at the war against terror, featuring three storylines that eventually are tied together. Redford heads up one of the stories, while Streep and Cruise face off as a journalist and Republican senator, respectively, in another. The movie also marks the first release from the Cruise-run United Artists production studio. (Nov. 9)
Official Web site
“Fred Claus”
Starring Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, Miranda Richardson, Kevin Spacey, Kathy Bates
Directed by David Dobkin
Reuniting with Dobkin, his “Wedding Crashers” director, Vaughn will be aiming at a more family-oriented audience with this PG-rated flick, that features him as the ne’er-do-well brother of Santa Claus (Giamatti). He arrives at the North Pole to visit Old Saint Nick, only to shake things up, much to the dismay of his normally jolly brother. (Nov. 9)
Official Web site
“No Country for Old Men”
Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson
Directed by Ethan and Joel Coen
Adapting a novel by Cormac McCarthy, the Coen brothers also share a directing credit on this crime drama that debuted to rave reviews at the Cannes film festival earlier this year. Brolin plays a hunter who stumbles upon $2 million in drug money and decides to keep it. Hot on his trail is a remorseless killer (Bardem) intent on getting the money back, with Jones as a sheriff dealing with the crimes being left in the wake. The Coens certainly have a good track history of crime dramas (“Fargo,” “Blood Simple”). (Nov. 9, limited)
Official Web site
“Beowulf”
Starring Ray Winstone, Angelina Jolie, Anthony Hopkins, Robin Wright Penn
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Making use of the motion-capture technology he used for “The Polar Express” in 2004, director Zemeckis has crafted an action-filled epic that is supposed to be a departure from the “Beowulf” you likely read in high school. Still, it’s PG-13 rating should still allow students a chance to get the basics of the story, just in case they can’t find time to read the book before the big exam. (Nov. 16)
Official Web site
“Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium”
Starring Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Jason Bateman, Zach Mills
Directed by Zach Helm
Making his directorial debut, Helm has certainly not started out small with this tale of a eccentric and really old (we’re talking 243 years old) toy-store owner (Hoffman) who selects his store manager (Portman) to take over as his successor. The cast is definitely an attraction for the film, which seems heavily influenced by “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” (Nov. 16)
Official Web site
“Enchanted”
Starring Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall, Rachel Covey and Susan Sarandon
Directed by Kevin Lima
Disney’s ambitious holiday feature is actually a mix of animation and live-action (mostly live-action) with Adams playing a princess banished from her animated kingdom, landing in New York City, of all places. Dempsey plays a divorce lawyer who falls for the princess. However, she’s soon followed to the Big Apple by her lovestruck prince (Marsden) and an evil queen (Sarandon). Disney’s had a pretty good track record with fairy tale movies, but this one might be its riskiest yet. Still, failure seems highly unlikely. (Nov. 21)
Official Web site
NOVEMBER
“American Gangster”
Starring Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Chiwetel Ojiofor, Cuba Gooding Jr., Josh Brolin
Directed by Ridley Scott
A powerhouse acting duo headline a movie that has got Oscar aspirations written all over it. The two leads, director (Scott) and screenwriter (Steven Zaillian) have all won Academy Awards before. In this crime drama, Washington plays real-life 1970 drug lord Frank Lucas, while Crowe portrays the obsessed detective intent on catching him. (Nov. 2)
Official Web site
“Bee Movie”
Starring the voices of Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, Patrick Warburton, John Goodman and Chris Rock
Directed by Steve Hickner and Simon J. Smith
Joining in on the seemingly ever-growing CG animated animal craze, Seinfeld plays a bee despondent over the lack of career choices for him. He then decides to sue the human race in an attempt to obtain honey profits. With a standout vocal cast at his disposal and several veteran “Seinfeld” writers on board, this comedy should be one of the can’t-miss films of the season. (Nov. 2)
Official Web site
“Lions for Lambs”
Starring Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise, Michael Pena, Andrew Garfield and Derek Luke
Directed by Robert Redford
Wearing its political leanings on its sleeve, “Lions for Lambs” takes a topical look at the war against terror, featuring three storylines that eventually are tied together. Redford heads up one of the stories, while Streep and Cruise face off as a journalist and Republican senator, respectively, in another. The movie also marks the first release from the Cruise-run United Artists production studio. (Nov. 9)
Official Web site
“Fred Claus”
Starring Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, Miranda Richardson, Kevin Spacey, Kathy Bates
Directed by David Dobkin
Reuniting with Dobkin, his “Wedding Crashers” director, Vaughn will be aiming at a more family-oriented audience with this PG-rated flick, that features him as the ne’er-do-well brother of Santa Claus (Giamatti). He arrives at the North Pole to visit Old Saint Nick, only to shake things up, much to the dismay of his normally jolly brother. (Nov. 9)
Official Web site
“No Country for Old Men”
Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson
Directed by Ethan and Joel Coen
Adapting a novel by Cormac McCarthy, the Coen brothers also share a directing credit on this crime drama that debuted to rave reviews at the Cannes film festival earlier this year. Brolin plays a hunter who stumbles upon $2 million in drug money and decides to keep it. Hot on his trail is a remorseless killer (Bardem) intent on getting the money back, with Jones as a sheriff dealing with the crimes being left in the wake. The Coens certainly have a good track history of crime dramas (“Fargo,” “Blood Simple”). (Nov. 9, limited)
Official Web site
“Beowulf”
Starring Ray Winstone, Angelina Jolie, Anthony Hopkins, Robin Wright Penn
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Making use of the motion-capture technology he used for “The Polar Express” in 2004, director Zemeckis has crafted an action-filled epic that is supposed to be a departure from the “Beowulf” you likely read in high school. Still, it’s PG-13 rating should still allow students a chance to get the basics of the story, just in case they can’t find time to read the book before the big exam. (Nov. 16)
Official Web site
“Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium”
Starring Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Jason Bateman, Zach Mills
Directed by Zach Helm
Making his directorial debut, Helm has certainly not started out small with this tale of a eccentric and really old (we’re talking 243 years old) toy-store owner (Hoffman) who selects his store manager (Portman) to take over as his successor. The cast is definitely an attraction for the film, which seems heavily influenced by “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” (Nov. 16)
Official Web site
“Enchanted”
Starring Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall, Rachel Covey and Susan Sarandon
Directed by Kevin Lima
Disney’s ambitious holiday feature is actually a mix of animation and live-action (mostly live-action) with Adams playing a princess banished from her animated kingdom, landing in New York City, of all places. Dempsey plays a divorce lawyer who falls for the princess. However, she’s soon followed to the Big Apple by her lovestruck prince (Marsden) and an evil queen (Sarandon). Disney’s had a pretty good track record with fairy tale movies, but this one might be its riskiest yet. Still, failure seems highly unlikely. (Nov. 21)
Official Web site
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Box Office Report: Oct. 12-14
While the fall movie season’s more adult-themed movies are starting to make their way into theaters, they were only able to make a small dent in the box office charts, with newcomers “We Own the Night,” “Michael Clayton” and “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” all failing to take the top spot. That belonged to the latest Tyler Perry movie, he of the “Madea” movies. Not having seen any of his movies, I’ll reserve judgment on their quality. But does he really need to be putting his own name in the titles of the films? If that’s the trend, maybe “George Clooney’s Michael Clayton” would have performed better. Or perhaps “Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Wahlberg Own the Night” was the way to go?
1. “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married”
(Weekend domestic gross - $21.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $21.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “The Game Plan”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $59.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “We Own the Night”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $10.8 million)
(Budget - $21 million)
4. “Michael Clayton”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $15.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “The Heartbreak Kid”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $39.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $6.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “The Kingdom”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $50.2 million)
(Budget - $70 million)
8. “Across the Universe”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $12.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Resident Evil: Extinction”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $77.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $7.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $961.0 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $936.2 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.5 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $791.7 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $700.8 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $521.9 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
7. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
8. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $450.3 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Worldwide gross - $404.0 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $372.5 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
1. “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married”
(Weekend domestic gross - $21.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $21.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “The Game Plan”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $59.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “We Own the Night”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $10.8 million)
(Budget - $21 million)
4. “Michael Clayton”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $15.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “The Heartbreak Kid”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $39.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $6.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “The Kingdom”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $50.2 million)
(Budget - $70 million)
8. “Across the Universe”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $12.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Resident Evil: Extinction”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $77.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $7.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $961.0 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $936.2 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.5 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $791.7 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $700.8 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $521.9 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
7. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
8. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $450.3 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Worldwide gross - $404.0 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $372.5 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Movie Review: "Death Proof"
Starring Kurt Russell, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito, Tracie Thoms, Sydney Poitier, Rose McGowan
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
Official Web site
When “Grindhouse” hit theaters this past spring, it certainly sounded like a can’t-miss prospect – two popular and respected directors (Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino) helming a double feature filled with fake trailers for other movies in between. But while critical response was largely positive, audiences generally stayed away, with “Grindhouse” pulling in only around $25 million at the box office – a notable and surprising flop.
The two films that made up “Grindhouse” have been split up for release on DVD with “Death Proof,” directed by Tarantino, the first out of the gate. While it certainly falls short of some of his classic previous work (“Pulp Fiction”), it does demonstrate his ability to capture the feel of a genre, as well as making the film stand on its own merits.
Tarantino is a well-documented movie geek who has a particular affinity for 1970s exploitation movies, generally the very kind that would play as double features back then. So with “Death Proof,” Tarantino is paying homage to the slasher horror movies that regularly put women in peril, while also providing a revenge fantasy in the film’s third act.
Granted, films such as those cheesy ones from the ‘70s, would never be able to reel in an attractive cast such as the one in “Death Proof,” nor have dialogue as entertaining to hear. One thing that most any viewer of a Tarantino movie can agree with is that the man likes to write dialogue. Most would also say he’s very good at it, too.
Such is the case with “Death Proof,” which if it’s fair to bill the movie as a horror flick, is easily the most talkative one ever filmed. It’s almost two different films in one. The first half follows one group of girls (featuring Rose McGowan, Vanessa Ferlito and Sydney Poitier) as they enjoy a raucous night on the town in Austin, Texas, only to cross paths with a mysterious stranger named Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell in a great performance). His vehicle (and subsequently, weapon) of choice is a 1970 Dodge Charger, which he uses to chase down and kill his victims.
The second half picks up 14 months later when Mike comes across a new group of female targets who are in a Tennessee town to film a movie. He begins stalking them, only to realize that these “victims” might not be as powerless and scared as he had hoped.
Eschewing the use of CGI, Tarantino films his car chases, including a wildly intense concluding action sequence, using old-fashioned stuntwork and creative camerawork. These are real cars featuring real people, including stuntwoman/actress Zoe Bell (in a standout role) performing some amazing physical feats on the hood of a vehicle.
The movie does meander some in pacing, and Tarantino is maybe a bit too enamored with his dialogue from time to time, but it does deliver some quoteworthy moments, too. Plus, it produces some amazing car crashes and a villain in Stuntman Mike that allows Russell to really get in touch with his emotions. That’s fun to see, and so too is “Death Proof.”
Grade: B+
(Unrated, but contains violent content and adult language.)
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Box Office Report: Sept. 21-23
Yet another third installment in a film series managed to take the top spot at the box office over the weekend. But unlike the success of “Spider-Man,” “Shrek” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” sequels, this one was a bit more of a surprise. “Resident Evil: Extinction” grabbed $23.7 million to easily hold off “Good Luck Chuck,” starring Dane Cook and Jessica Alba, for first place. The debut was the biggest of the three in the inexplicably popular “Resident Evil” series, which is based on a video game.
“The Brave One,” last week’s number one, slid down to third place, with $7.3 million. “Eastern Promises,” the latest from director David Cronenberg, expanded its release and took fifth place.
1. “Resident Evil: Extinction”
(Weekend domestic gross - $23.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $23.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “Good Luck Chuck”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $13.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “The Brave One”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $25.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “3:10 to Yuma”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $39.4 million)
(Budget - $55 million)
5. “Eastern Promises”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $6.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Sydney White”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $5.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “Mr. Woodcock”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $15.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Superbad”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $126.1 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
9. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $365.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “Dragon Wars”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $64.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $960.6 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $932.0 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.5 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $785.0 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $695.3 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $504.2 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
7. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
8. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $413.1 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $368.3 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Worldwide gross - $365.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
“The Brave One,” last week’s number one, slid down to third place, with $7.3 million. “Eastern Promises,” the latest from director David Cronenberg, expanded its release and took fifth place.
1. “Resident Evil: Extinction”
(Weekend domestic gross - $23.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $23.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “Good Luck Chuck”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $13.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “The Brave One”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $25.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “3:10 to Yuma”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $39.4 million)
(Budget - $55 million)
5. “Eastern Promises”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $6.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Sydney White”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $5.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “Mr. Woodcock”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $15.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Superbad”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $126.1 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
9. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $365.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “Dragon Wars”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $64.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $960.6 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $932.0 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.5 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $785.0 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $695.3 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $504.2 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
7. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
8. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $413.1 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $368.3 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Worldwide gross - $365.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Movie Review: "Fracture"
Starring Anthony Hopkins, Ryan Gosling, David Strathairn, Rosamund Pike, Embeth Davidtz, Billy Burke, Cliff Curtis, Fiona Shaw, Bob Gunton
Directed by Gregory Hoblit
Official Web site
Highlighted by the pairing of a former Oscar winner (Anthony Hopkins) with an up-and-coming star (Ryan Gosling) who just earned his first Academy Award nomination last year, “Fracture” is watchable, but a bit less than the sum of its parts.
The thriller is at its most interesting when Hopkins and Gosling are pitted against each other, as murder suspect and attorney for the prosecution, respectively. The rest of the time the movie tries to keep the audience interested in the somewhat farfetched courtroom activity as well as the clichés that Gosling’s character has to wade through.
Gosling plays Willy Beachum, a rising young talent in the district attorney’s office who has managed to attain a flawless case record, growing a fairly insufferable ego in the process. District Attorney Joe Lobruto (David Strathairn) knows that Beachum is good, and also knows that he’s looking to advance his career to a higher paying job at a major legal firm.
But before he heads out the DA’s door, he’s given a seemingly cut-and-dried case of a husband shooting his wife, who has fallen into a coma as a result. However, Beachum quickly learns that the case is going to be tougher than he imagined, as the husband, Ted Crawford (Hopkins), chooses to defend himself and proves to be a tricky
opponent.
Some of the scenes between Hopkins and Gosling bring to mind (likely not too much of an accident) mental showdowns that Hopkins had with Jodie Foster in “Silence of the Lambs,” another film that had the star imprisoned for much of the running time. Gosling proves to be a good match in these scenes, showing the confidence of a young attorney slowly being stripped away by a cunning criminal. By showing Crawford shooting his wife (Embeth Davidtz) early in the film, his character’s guilt is never brought into question. It’s simply left up to Beachum to try and outsmart an adversary who seemingly knows how to make the legal system work in his favor.
While Beachum struggles with his case, he’s also attempting to set up his future with the legal firm, receiving help from a rising attorney (Rosamund Pike). Gosling and Pike have a fairly good chemistry in their scenes together, yet the movie trots out the seemingly obligatory romance that not only feels unnecessary, but also farfetched.
Director Gregory Hoblit keeps the story moving, yet doesn’t bring as much to the table as he did in “Primal Fear,” another courtroom centered thriller that featured a superior story and a breakout performance from Edward Norton.
“Fracture” is best defined as a solid, yet unexceptional genre piece that features two strong lead performances. Some of the characters’ actions play out a bit too conveniently for the plot, but the stars should at least keep you interested until the final credits roll.
Grade: B-
(Rated R for language and some violent content.)
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Box Office Report: Sept. 14-16
Showing she still has the ability to open a picture after all these years, Jodie Foster’s new crime drama, “The Brave One” opened at number one over the weekend, taking in $13.5 million. Last week’s number one, “3:10 to Yuma,” dropped to second with $8.9 million. The long delayed comedy, “Mr. Woodcock,” starring Billy Bob Thornton, was able to snag third place, while “Dragon Wars” (your guess is as good as mine) debuted in fifth.
The worldwide top 10 movies remained locked in their positions for the second straight weekend, with little chance of movement anytime soon.
1. “The Brave One”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $13.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “3:10 to Yuma”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $28.8 million)
(Budget - $55 million)
3. “Mr. Woodcock”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $8.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “Superbad”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $114.4 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
5. “Dragon Wars”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $59.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Halloween”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $51.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $339.9 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
8. “Balls of Fury”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.32 million)
(Worldwide gross - $28.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Rush Hour 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $195.7 million)
(Budget - $140 million)
10. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $218.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $960.4 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $928.5 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.5 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $780.2 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $692.2 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $491.0 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
7. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
8. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $404.1 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $364.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Worldwide gross - $339.9 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
The worldwide top 10 movies remained locked in their positions for the second straight weekend, with little chance of movement anytime soon.
1. “The Brave One”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $13.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “3:10 to Yuma”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $28.8 million)
(Budget - $55 million)
3. “Mr. Woodcock”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $8.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “Superbad”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $114.4 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
5. “Dragon Wars”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $59.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Halloween”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $51.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $339.9 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
8. “Balls of Fury”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.32 million)
(Worldwide gross - $28.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Rush Hour 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $195.7 million)
(Budget - $140 million)
10. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $218.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $960.4 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $928.5 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.5 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $780.2 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $692.2 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $491.0 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
7. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
8. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $404.1 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $364.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Worldwide gross - $339.9 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Box Office Report: Sept. 7-9
It was hardly an exceptional opening weekend for “3:10 to Yuma,” but the western starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale managed to round up $14 million worth of business to take the top slot. Last week’s number one, “Halloween” dropped to $9.5 million, good enough for second place.
The only other major debut, “Shoot ‘Em Up,” with Clive Owen and Paul Giamatti, did a surprisingly tepid $5.4 million, which could only grab the sixth slot.
1. “3:10 to Yuma”
(Weekend domestic gross - $14.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $14.0 million)
(Budget - $55 million)
2. “Halloween”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $43.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “Superbad”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $103.2 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
4. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.67 million)
(Worldwide gross - $308.3 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
5. “Balls of Fury”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.63 million)
(Worldwide gross - $24.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Shoot ‘Em Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $5.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “Rush Hour 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $182.1 million)
(Budget - $140 million)
8. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $214.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “The Nanny Diaries”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $20.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Hairspray”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $147.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $960.2 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $923.9 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.4 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $772.0 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $689.9 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $484.5 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
7. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
8. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $392.5 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $357.2 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Worldwide gross - $308.3 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
The only other major debut, “Shoot ‘Em Up,” with Clive Owen and Paul Giamatti, did a surprisingly tepid $5.4 million, which could only grab the sixth slot.
1. “3:10 to Yuma”
(Weekend domestic gross - $14.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $14.0 million)
(Budget - $55 million)
2. “Halloween”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $43.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
3. “Superbad”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $103.2 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
4. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.67 million)
(Worldwide gross - $308.3 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
5. “Balls of Fury”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.63 million)
(Worldwide gross - $24.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Shoot ‘Em Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $5.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “Rush Hour 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $182.1 million)
(Budget - $140 million)
8. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $214.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “The Nanny Diaries”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $20.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Hairspray”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $147.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $960.2 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $923.9 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.4 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $772.0 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $689.9 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $484.5 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
7. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
8. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $392.5 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $357.2 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Worldwide gross - $308.3 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Box Office Report: Aug. 31-Sept. 3
Director Rob Zombie’s remake (or reimagining, or whatever) of “Halloween” was good enough to take the top spot at the box office for the Labor Day weekend, pulling in $31 million. “Halloween” on Labor Day? OK, that makes sense.
“Balls of Fury,” the long awaited look at the seamy underbelly of ping-pong (or table tennis for you purists) earned close to $14 million in its debut, while “Death Sentence,” starring Kevin Bacon, snagged a paltry $5.2 million for eighth place.
1. “Halloween”
(Weekend domestic gross - $31.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $31.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “Superbad”
(Weekend domestic gross - $15.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $92.4 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
3. “Balls of Fury”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $16.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $277.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
5. “Rush Hour 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $162.4 million)
(Budget - $140 million)
6. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $210.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “The Nanny Diaries”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $16.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Death Sentence”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $5.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “War”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $18.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Stardust”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $46.0 million)
(Budget - $70 million)
2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $959.3 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $911.7 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.2 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $757.3 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $685.3 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $469.4 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
7. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
8. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $373.4 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $353.9 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Worldwide gross - $305.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
“Balls of Fury,” the long awaited look at the seamy underbelly of ping-pong (or table tennis for you purists) earned close to $14 million in its debut, while “Death Sentence,” starring Kevin Bacon, snagged a paltry $5.2 million for eighth place.
1. “Halloween”
(Weekend domestic gross - $31.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $31.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “Superbad”
(Weekend domestic gross - $15.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $92.4 million)
(Budget - $20 million)
3. “Balls of Fury”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $16.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “The Bourne Ultimatum”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $277.4 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
5. “Rush Hour 3”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $162.4 million)
(Budget - $140 million)
6. “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $210.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “The Nanny Diaries”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $16.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Death Sentence”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $5.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “War”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $18.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “Stardust”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $46.0 million)
(Budget - $70 million)
2007 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”
(Worldwide gross - $959.3 million)
(Budget - $300 million)
2. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
(Worldwide gross - $911.7 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
3. “Spider-Man 3”
(Worldwide gross - $890.2 million)
(Budget - $258 million)
4. “Shrek the Third”
(Worldwide gross - $757.3 million)
(Budget - $160 million)
5. “Transformers”
(Worldwide gross - $685.3 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “The Simpsons Movie”
(Worldwide gross - $469.4 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
7. “300”
(Worldwide gross - $456.1 million)
(Budget - $65 million)
8. “Ratatouille”
(Worldwide gross - $373.4 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
9. “Live Free or Die Hard”
(Worldwide gross - $353.9 million)
(Budget - $110 million)
10. “Ocean’s Thirteen”
(Worldwide gross - $305.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
Monday, September 03, 2007
Fall 2007 Movie Preview (Part 2)
Shifting into October, there are Oscar-winning actors popping up all over the place, as some of the subject matter covered by these films grows noticeably more serious (with a few exceptions, to be sure). Still, there’s only a handful of these movies that look like they have real potential to be big box office hits.
At any rate, the following is the skinny on some of the more notable releases that October has to offer.
OCTOBER
“The Heartbreak Kid”
Starring Ben Stiller, Michelle Monaghan, Malin Akerman, Jerry Stiller, Rob Corddry
Directed by Bobby and Peter Farrelly
Most people won’t remember the 1972 comedy that this movie is a remake of, yet audiences will certainly remember the teaming of Stiller with the Farrelly brothers in “There’s Something About Mary.” The three will certainly be hoping for a repeat of that successful film, with Stiller playing a newlywed on his honeymoon who realizes his new wife isn’t exactly who he thought he married. Complicating matters more is his sudden infatuation with a woman (Monaghan) he befriends. (Oct. 5)
Official Web site
“Michael Clayton”
Starring George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton, Sydney Pollack
Directed by Tony Gilroy
A corporate lawyer (Clooney) has a crisis of conscience when he’s assigned a case involving one of his firm’s own employees (Wilkinson), who the firm is very scared will start talking about some of its less than noble activities. Feel free to interject your own joke here about lawyers and consciences. (Oct. 5)
Official Web site
“We Own the Night”
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes and Robert Duvall
Directed by James Gray
The careers of Phoenix and Wahlberg are both pretty hot right now, and pairing them together in a tale of a New York City club manager caught in the middle of a struggle between mobsters and his cop-filled family sounds like a smart move. (Oct. 12)
Official Web site
“Elizabeth: The Golden Age”
Starring Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Clive Owen, Samantha Morton, Abbie Cornish
Directed by Shekhar Kapur
Technically, this movie can qualify as a sequel as it tells the continuing story of Queen Elizabeth and brings back the director (Kapur) and top two stars (Blanchett and Rush). But this is also one of those rare sequels that has aspirations beyond making money, as 1998’s “Elizabeth” wracked up seven Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Picture. (Oct. 12)
Official Web site
“Reservation Road”
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Connelly, Mira Sorvino
Directed by Terry George
Reteaming Phoenix with director George (“Hotel Rwanda” and “Ladder 49”), “Reservation Road” is based on a novel by John Burnham Schwartz that documents the impact of a fatal hit-and-run accident on two young couples. Clearly, there’s not going to be a lot of laughs in this one, so grab your tissues, folks. (Oct. 19, limited)
Official Web site: Not available
“Gone Baby Gone”
Starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, John Ashton, Amy Ryan
Directed by Ben Affleck
Mock some of his decisions on acting roles if you will, but Ben Affleck has won an Oscar before (for co-writing “Good Will Hunting” with buddy Matt Damon). This time out, he’s co-written an adaptation of a Dennis Lehane (“Mystic River”) novel, and is even directing, with his younger brother, Casey, starring. With Freeman and Harris on board in support, this is a tough one to make fun of. (Oct. 19)
Official Web site
“Rendition”
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Reese Witherspoon, Peter Sarsgaard, Alan Arkin and Meryl Streep
Directed by Gavin Hood
In what might be the best cast of the fall movie season (and that’s really saying something), Witherspoon stars as a mother whose husband is secretly taken into custody by the U.S. government for his possible terrorist connections. Gyllenhaal is a CIA agent in charge of the interrogation, while Arkin and Streep are bereaucrats involved in the case. Oscar-winner Hood (“Tsotsi”) directs this timely political thriller. (Oct. 19)
Official Web site
“Saw IV”
Starring Tobin Bell, Scott Patterson, Costas Mandylor, Betsy Russell, Lyriq Bent
Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman
Hmm, it’s about time for Halloween, which means it must also be time for ... another “Saw” movie. After three successful installments, does it really matter what the story’s about anymore? Expect a few laughs, a few tears and a little bit of blood shed. OK, maybe none of the two former and a lot of the latter. (Oct. 26)
Official Web site
“Things We Lost in the Fire”
Starring Halle Berry, Benicio Del Toro, David Duchovny, Omar Benson Miller, Alison Lohman, John Carroll Lynch
Directed by Susanne Bier
Since winning her Oscar for “Monster’s Ball” in 2001, Berry has been widely criticized for her film choices. But she might be onto something here, playing a woman struggling to cope after the death of her husband (Duchovny). She invites her husband’s troubled best friend (Del Toro) to stay with her and her kids in the hopes that they can heal each other’s pain.(Oct. 26)
Official Web site
At any rate, the following is the skinny on some of the more notable releases that October has to offer.
OCTOBER
“The Heartbreak Kid”
Starring Ben Stiller, Michelle Monaghan, Malin Akerman, Jerry Stiller, Rob Corddry
Directed by Bobby and Peter Farrelly
Most people won’t remember the 1972 comedy that this movie is a remake of, yet audiences will certainly remember the teaming of Stiller with the Farrelly brothers in “There’s Something About Mary.” The three will certainly be hoping for a repeat of that successful film, with Stiller playing a newlywed on his honeymoon who realizes his new wife isn’t exactly who he thought he married. Complicating matters more is his sudden infatuation with a woman (Monaghan) he befriends. (Oct. 5)
Official Web site
“Michael Clayton”
Starring George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton, Sydney Pollack
Directed by Tony Gilroy
A corporate lawyer (Clooney) has a crisis of conscience when he’s assigned a case involving one of his firm’s own employees (Wilkinson), who the firm is very scared will start talking about some of its less than noble activities. Feel free to interject your own joke here about lawyers and consciences. (Oct. 5)
Official Web site
“We Own the Night”
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes and Robert Duvall
Directed by James Gray
The careers of Phoenix and Wahlberg are both pretty hot right now, and pairing them together in a tale of a New York City club manager caught in the middle of a struggle between mobsters and his cop-filled family sounds like a smart move. (Oct. 12)
Official Web site
“Elizabeth: The Golden Age”
Starring Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Clive Owen, Samantha Morton, Abbie Cornish
Directed by Shekhar Kapur
Technically, this movie can qualify as a sequel as it tells the continuing story of Queen Elizabeth and brings back the director (Kapur) and top two stars (Blanchett and Rush). But this is also one of those rare sequels that has aspirations beyond making money, as 1998’s “Elizabeth” wracked up seven Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Picture. (Oct. 12)
Official Web site
“Reservation Road”
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Connelly, Mira Sorvino
Directed by Terry George
Reteaming Phoenix with director George (“Hotel Rwanda” and “Ladder 49”), “Reservation Road” is based on a novel by John Burnham Schwartz that documents the impact of a fatal hit-and-run accident on two young couples. Clearly, there’s not going to be a lot of laughs in this one, so grab your tissues, folks. (Oct. 19, limited)
Official Web site: Not available
“Gone Baby Gone”
Starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, John Ashton, Amy Ryan
Directed by Ben Affleck
Mock some of his decisions on acting roles if you will, but Ben Affleck has won an Oscar before (for co-writing “Good Will Hunting” with buddy Matt Damon). This time out, he’s co-written an adaptation of a Dennis Lehane (“Mystic River”) novel, and is even directing, with his younger brother, Casey, starring. With Freeman and Harris on board in support, this is a tough one to make fun of. (Oct. 19)
Official Web site
“Rendition”
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Reese Witherspoon, Peter Sarsgaard, Alan Arkin and Meryl Streep
Directed by Gavin Hood
In what might be the best cast of the fall movie season (and that’s really saying something), Witherspoon stars as a mother whose husband is secretly taken into custody by the U.S. government for his possible terrorist connections. Gyllenhaal is a CIA agent in charge of the interrogation, while Arkin and Streep are bereaucrats involved in the case. Oscar-winner Hood (“Tsotsi”) directs this timely political thriller. (Oct. 19)
Official Web site
“Saw IV”
Starring Tobin Bell, Scott Patterson, Costas Mandylor, Betsy Russell, Lyriq Bent
Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman
Hmm, it’s about time for Halloween, which means it must also be time for ... another “Saw” movie. After three successful installments, does it really matter what the story’s about anymore? Expect a few laughs, a few tears and a little bit of blood shed. OK, maybe none of the two former and a lot of the latter. (Oct. 26)
Official Web site
“Things We Lost in the Fire”
Starring Halle Berry, Benicio Del Toro, David Duchovny, Omar Benson Miller, Alison Lohman, John Carroll Lynch
Directed by Susanne Bier
Since winning her Oscar for “Monster’s Ball” in 2001, Berry has been widely criticized for her film choices. But she might be onto something here, playing a woman struggling to cope after the death of her husband (Duchovny). She invites her husband’s troubled best friend (Del Toro) to stay with her and her kids in the hopes that they can heal each other’s pain.(Oct. 26)
Official Web site
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