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This Week's PCR Movie Review |
Holiday Movie Preview
Commentary by: |
MOVIE REVIEW Holiday Movie Preview by Mike Smith | ||
RETRORAMA DVD Review: Gamera vs. Everybody by ED Tucker | ||
THE ASIAN APERTURE Rock n'Roll Cop (1994) by Jason Fetters | ||
MIKE'S RANT Ronnie .... Class Of 2011 .... Passing On .... Him Too .... .... .... .... .... Mike's Record Shelf by Mike Smith | ||
It’s the Thanksgiving/Christmas Season and you can smell the excitement in the air. No,
not the turkey and all the trimmings on the dining room table. I’m talking
about the virtual smorgasbord of goodies that Hollywood has in store for us
in the next six weeks. From slight, tasty snacks in search of Oscar glory
to full course blow-outs, there’s a little bit of something for everyone
being dished up at the local multiplex. Here are the ones to look out for.
Some synopsis information courtesy of our friends at the Internet Movie
Data Base. All dates subject to change at the whim of the studios. Let’s dig
in!
OUT NOW...(November 24)
BURLESQUE WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Ali (Aguilera) leaves small town Iowa behind, hoping to
reinvent herself in Los Angeles. Taking a waitress job at The Burlesque
Lounge, a fading club run by Tess (Cher), a former dancer, Ali quickly falls
in love with the burlesque scene -- but does she have what it takes to
become a star?
I don’t know what to think about this film. Yes, I like musicals. And,
yes, I like Cher. And, yes, I AM married! But from what I’ve seen I’m
not impressed. And why does Aguilera make her movie debut in a big budgeted
musical directed by a former actor making his feature film debut? If you
remember director Antin as one of the guys who raped Jodie Foster in “The
Accused” you’ve got a better memory than I do. OSCAR CHANCES: If any, they
’d be in the technical categories.
FASTER WHAT IT’S ABOUT: An ex-con (Johnson) sets out to avenge his brother's
death after they were double-crossed during a heist years ago. During his
exploits, however, he learns he’s being tracked by a veteran cop and an
egocentric hit man.
So nice to see Johnson back in kick-ass mode. The trailer is action
packed and it’s nice to have a little testosterone mixed in with the romantic
comedies you’re going to be seeing this season. OSCAR CHANCES: To
paraphrase the Rock in his heyday: “It doesn’t matter what I think!” But, um…
no.
LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS WHAT IT’S ABOUT: A romantic comedy centered on relentlessly charming
salesman Jamie Reidy (Gyllenhaal), who wants to make a mint from selling the
newly released drug, Viagra. However, when he meets Maggie Murdock
(Hathaway), a free-spirited woman with an undisclosed health matter, he reconsiders
his path in life.
Apparently Gyllenhaal and Hathaway made such an impression as a couple in “
Brokeback Mountain” that they decided to do it again. The fact that Ed
Zwick, who has directed some of my all time favorite films (“Glory,” “About
Last Night”) is behind the camera on this one puts it in the must see
category. OSCAR CHANCES: Look for a possible nod for Hathaway.
TANGLED WHAT IT’S ABOUT: In this new take on the story of Rapunzel, the princess
(voiced by Moore) with a 70 foot-long mane convinces a bandit named Flynn
Rider (Levi) to help her escape the tower in which she's been sequestered
for her entire life by her captor, Mother Gothel (Murphy).
The 50th Animated Feature from the Walt Disney Company is sure to be an
instant classic. Look for my review here. OSCAR CHANCES: With
only three films allowed to be nominated for the Best Animated Feature
Award, look for “Tangled” to take at least one Best Song nomination.
THE KING’S SPEECH WHAT IT’S ABOUT: The story of King George VI of Britain (Firth), his
impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist (Rush) who helped
the unsure monarch become worthy of it.
This film is already playing in some areas in limited release and the
raves for Firth’s performance are unanimous. OSCAR CHANCES: Look for a Best
Actor nod for Firth, Supporting Actor for Rush.
DECEMBER 3
ALL GOOD THINGS WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Clues from a missing-persons case lead to the heir of a
New York real estate dynasty (Gosling), who falls for a young woman from
the wrong side of the tracks (Dunst).
A strong cast should help this first time feature from director Jarecki,
who earned an Oscar nomination for his 2003 documentary “Capturing the
Friedmans.” OSCAR CHANCES: None I can see.
BLACK SWAN Those who have seen the film on the festival circuit have already given
Portman the Best Actress Oscar. Director Aronofsky, whose “Requiem for a
Dream” still gives me nightmares a decade later, is coming off the triumph of
last years’ “The Wrestler.” OSCAR CHANCES: If the word on the street is
to be believed, possibly across the board.
I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Incarcerated at the state penitentiary, con artist
Steven Russell (Carrey) meets the love of his life: Phillip Morris (McGregor).
As a free man, his passion results in a series of improbable cons to bust
Phillip from jail and build the perfect life together.
Based on a true story (always important to note). As someone that
appreciates Jim Carrey when he gets serious – that he was ignored for his work in
“The Truman Show” and “Man on the Moon” is a travesty – I was excited
when I first heard about this film. However, that was in 2009 and the film
has had a bumpy ride to finally see the light of day. OSCAR CHANCES: None.
NIGHT CATCHES US WHAT IT’S ABOUT: In 1976, complex political and emotional forces are set
in motion when a young man (Mackie) returns to the race-torn Philadelphia
neighborhood where he came of age during the Black Power movement.
This is one of the little films I mentioned. First time director
Hamilton directs her own script but has given herself two great actors to tell her
story. Mackie was on my short list of Oscar nominees last year for “The
Hurt Locker” and Russell has excelled with roles in films like “Ray.”
OSCAR CHANCES: Again, under the radar.
THE WARRIOR’S WAY WHAT IT’S ABOUT: A warrior-assassin (Dong-gun) is forced to hide in a
small town in the American Badlands after refusing a mission.
From the trailer this looks like the old television series “Kung Fu,”
only here the star likes to kick ass! And nothing says Christmas then
Cowboys and Ninja. Special mention to Rush, who appears to be channeling the
late Warren Oates vocally. OSCAR CHANCES: Nada.
DECEMBER 10
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER WHAT IT’S ABOUT: With Peter and Susan unable to return to Narnia, it's up
to the younger Pevensies, Lucy and Edmund, to assist
Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) in
his quest to find the Lone Islands and, ultimately, Aslan's Country.
I have to admit right up front that I have never understood or enjoyed the
“Narnia” films. Maybe I’ve got a bit of the Grinch in me. OSCAR
CHANCES: A certain nod for Make-Up, an award the first film in the series won in
2006.
THE COMPANY MEN WHAT IT’S ABOUT: The story centers on a year in the lives of three men
trying to survive a round of corporate downsizing at a major company - and
how that affects them, their families, and their communities.
A trio of Oscar-winners (yes, I know Afleck’s was for writing but an Oscar
is an Oscar) tackle a script by one of the main voices on both “ER” and “
The West Wing,” John Wells, who is also making his feature directing debut
here. OSCAR CHANCES: Dare I say screenplay?
THE TEMPEST WHAT IT’S ABOUT: In this unique take on William Shakespeare's final play,
director Julie Taymor has transformed the work's central character,
Prospero, into the Duchess of Milan, Prospera (Mirren).
Taymor, who made a name for herself when she brought “The Lion King” to
Broadway, has assembled an all star cast, including Russell Brand, Alan
Cumming, Chris Cooper and Tom Conti. She has proved herself admirably with
such films as “Titus,” “Frida” and “Across the Universe.” OSCAR CHANCES: A
nod for Taymor. Now that Katherine Bigelow finally broke through the
glass ceiling last year, hopefully more women will be recognized for their
work. Four nominations in eighty two years? Shame on you, Oscar.
THE TOURIST WHAT IT’S ABOUT: When Frank Taylor (Depp) travels to Venice to recover
from a recent break-up he soon finds himself engaged by the beautiful and
mysterious Elise (Jolie) -- who happens to have a dangerous connection to a
fugitive criminal.
I don’t know what took Hollywood so long but they finally put two of their
biggest stars in the same film. As much fun as he seems to have when he’s
wearing Captain Jack’s eyeliner, nobody plays the “everyman” like Johnny
Depp. And “SALT” proved that when it comes to looking cool and kicking
butt, nobody does it like Jolie. OSCAR CHANCES: None, but who cares?
DECEMBER 17
THE FIGHTER WHAT IT’S ABOUT: A look at the early years of boxer "Irish" Micky Ward
(Wahlberg) and his brother, Dick Eklund (Bale), who helped train Micky to
become a pro fighter.
It’s been six years since Russell directed a feature film. Not sure if it’
s because he’s picky or because he’s pretty much alienated everyone in
Hollywood. He and George Clooney almost came to blows on the set of “Three
Kings” and a childish rant against Lily Tomlin while making “I Heart
Huckabees” is still getting hits on YouTube. Apparently he and Wahlberg got
along on “Three Kings” because he stars here. Speaking of on set rants, how
awesome would it be to listen in on one between Russell and Christian Bale?
Lots of shots of Wahlberg shirtless here so keep an eye out for that third
nipple. OSCAR CHANCES: Strong cast and a director with some talent…
possible.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT’S ABOUT: A former athlete (Witherspoon) finds herself in the
middle of a love triangle as a corporate guy in crisis (Rudd) competes with
Lisa's current, baseball-playing beau (Owen Wilson).
I grew up on James L. Brooks. From “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” to “Taxi”
to “The Simpsons” on television and such Oscar winning films as “Terms
of Endearment” and “As Good As It Gets,” he has never failed to impress me
with his work. The man has made five movies that have earned twenty five
Oscar nominations…not a bad record. OSCAR CHANCES: As with any Brooks
film, across the board. Nicholson has three acting awards and won two of them
for performances in Brooks’ films.
RABBIT HOLE WHAT IT’S ABOUT: A young couple (Kidman, Eckhart) find their lives
spinning out of control after their son is killed in an auto accident
It’s so weird to see John Cameron Mitchell’s name attached to this
project, he of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” and “Shortbus.” The man is clearly
talented and his choice of subject matter here is intriguing. OSCAR
CHANCES: Kidman and Wiest have been there before so I wouldn’t be surprised if
they get a nod.
TRON: LEGACY WHAT IT’S ABOUT: After defeating Master Control and restoring freedom to
the digital realm, gaming software genius Kevin Flynn (Bridges) suddenly
disappears, leaving his young son Sam to grown up alone in the real world.
But everything changes when Sam turns 27, and his father's friend Alan
Bradley (Boxleitner) receives a message on his old pager from the long-abandoned
Flynn's Arcade.
In my opinion, the original “TRON” was a much better arcade game then a
film. That being said, the film did scream for a sequel, even if it’s 28
years later. Another major release by a first time director - - I need to
send a resume’ in. Talk about pressure, after “TRON: LEGACY” Kosinski is
slated to tackle a remake of “The Black Hole.” OSCAR CHANCES: Technical
only. The first film earned nods for Costume Design and Sound.
YOGI BEAR WHAT IT’S ABOUT: A documentary filmmaker (Anna Faris) travels to
Jellystone Park to shoot a project and soon crosses paths with Yogi Bear (Aykroyd)
and his sidekick Boo-Boo (Timberlake).
Another popular '60s cartoon character gets the big screen treatment
whether he needs it or not. The trailer looks cute though, after about three
lines Aykroyd starts to sound less like Yogi and more like Dan Aykroyd “doing”
Yogi. Timberlake does pull off a great Boo Boo, though. Watch out for
your pic-a-nic baskets. And your money, as once again Warner Brothers is
stamping the 3D tag on a film that certainly doesn’t need one. OSCAR
CHANCES: As slim as Ranger Smith not blowing his top. YOGI!!!!
DECEMBER 22
COUNTRY STRONG WHAT IT’S ABOUT: When a rising country-music songwriter (Garrett Hedlund)
sparks with a fallen star (Paltrow), it leads to romantic complications
involving her husband/manager (McGraw) and a beauty queen-turned-singer.
If you were shocked to see Gwyneth Paltrow throw down vocally on “GLEE”
then you have a short memory. The Oscar winning actress actually scored a
#1 hit with her duet with Huey Lewis on the song Cruisin’, which they sang in
the film “Duets.” Paltrow recently held her own during an appearance at
the CMA Awards show so I guess, to quote Loretta Lynn, “If you’re looking
at her, you’re looking at country.” OSCAR CHANCES: Possible nod to
Gwynny as well as the title song.
GULLIVER’S TRAVELS WHAT IT’S ABOUT: While chasing down a story about the secret of the
Bermuda Triangle, travel writer Lemuel Gulliver (Black) becomes shipwrecked on
an island where he's a giant among the natives, the Lilliputians. Initially
taken prisoner, Gulliver weaves a tall tale that makes him a favorite of
the court and leads them to believe he is their best hope to defeat their
rivals, the Blefuscudians.
Remember when Jack Black was funny? I’ll give you a few minutes.
I know, it has been awhile. Thankfully Jonathan Swift’s tale is perfect
for a guy who likes to ad lib and make faces. If it doesn’t work get ready
for “Kung Fu Panda II.” OSCAR CHANCES: Maybe visual effects but don’t
bet on it.
LITTLE FOCKERS WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Greg Focker (Stiller) has bent over backwards to endear
himself to his wife Pam's (Teri Polo) parents, Dina (Blythe Danner) and
Jack Byrnes (De Niro). It took a decade, in fact, and the addition of twins,
for Greg's ex-CIA operative father-in-law has finally let him into his
"circle of trust." But a final test remains.
Ten years ago who would have thought Robert DeNiro could be funny? His on
screen banter with Stiller has always been classic and DeNiro does the
best “slow burn” since Jackie Gleason. And I have to think it’s worth the
price of admission just to hear Harvey Keitel say “Focker!” OSCAR CHANCES:
Bob, Dusty and Babs already have two each. Why be greedy?
TRUE GRIT WHAT IT’S ABOUT: A renegade U.S. Marshal (Bridges) and a Texas Ranger
(Damon) help a stubborn young woman (Steinfeld) track down her father's
murderer.
This is probably the film I’m most excited to see this season. The
original film holds so many memories for me, mostly because I saw it at a drive
in with my father, a man who worshipped the ground John Wayne ambled on. It
also contains one of the greatest lines in movie history. Facing down a
band of outlaws whose leader has just insulted him, Wayne puts the reigns of
his horse in his mouth and exclaims, “Fill your hands, you son of a bitch!”
The trailer seems a little dark, more in tune with the novel. And not
to quibble, but Jeff Bridges wears his patch over his right eye…the Duke
wore his over the left. Of course, since Rooster Cogburn didn’t have an eye
patch in the novel I’m not going to worry about it. OSCAR CHANCES: John
Wayne won his only Oscar for “True Grit.” The combination of this cast and
the Coen brothers seems to bode well for the remake.
DECEMBER 29
ANOTHER YEAR WHAT IT’S ABOUT: A married couple who have managed to remain blissfully
happy into their autumn years are surrounded over the course of the four by
friends, colleagues, and family who all seem to suffer some degree of
unhappiness.
Mike Leigh is to family relationship films what Woody Allen is to neurotic
New Yorker movies. The film is being given a limited release to gain some
positive word of mouth. OSCAR CHANCES: A screenplay nod is almost a
certainty.
BIUTIFUL WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Connected with the afterlife, Uxbal (Bardem) is a tragic
hero and father of two who's sensing the danger of death. He struggles
with a tainted reality and a fate that works against him in order to eke out a
living in Barcelona.
The talented director of “Babel” and the Oscar-winning Bardem team up for
a film that got rave notices at this years’ Cannes Film Festival. OSCAR
CHANCES: Bardem was named Best Actor at Cannes so a nod in that category
here shouldn’t be unexpected.
CASINO JACK WHAT IT’S ABOUT: A hot shot Washington DC lobbyist and his protege go
down hard as their schemes to peddle influence lead to corruption and murder.
Based on the adventures of lobbyist Jack Abramoff, the film is getting
noticed for Spacey’s performance, said to be among his best ever. Considering
the man already has two Oscars that’s saying a lot. Star and director
visited Abramoff in prison and incorporated some of his tales into the film.
Sadly, Hickenlooper passed away suddenly three weeks ago at the age of 47.
Among his films is the acclaimed documentary “Hearts of Darkness: A
Filmmakers Apocalypse,” which explored the making of “Apocalypse Now.” OSCAR
CHANCES: Spacey seems to be a lock.
DECEMBER 31
BLUE VALENTINE WHAT IT’S ABOUT: A look at the idyllic past and troubled present of
working-class couple Dean (Gosling) and Cindy (Williams).
This film had great word of mouth when it premiered at the Sundance Film
Festival earlier this year but now it’s uncertain if it will receive a
strong release due to the fact that it has been given an NC 17 rating for one
intense sensual scene. Director Cianfrance has refused to edit the offending
footage and the rating is currently being appealed. Because of the
inability to run television advertising, as well as limited newspaper advertising,
an NC 17 rating is often a death sentence for a film, especially a small
one like this. Just another example of the hypocrisy of the rating system…
blood is good – sex is bad. OSCAR CHANCES: Both leads are a possibility.
Starring: Cher, Christina Aguilera and Stanley Tucci
Directed by: Steven Antin
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton and Maggie Grace
Directed by: George Tillman Jr.
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway and Oliver Platt
Directed by: Edward Zwick
Starring the voices of: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi and Donna Murphy
Directed by: Nathan Greno and Byron Howard
Starring: Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush
Directed by: Tom Hooper
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst and Frank Langella
Directed by: Andrew Jarecki
Starring: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis and Barbara Hershey
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
WHAT IT’S ABOUT: While vying for the coveted lead roles in a production
of Swan Lake, a veteran ballerina (Portman) enters into a twisted friendship
with a promising new dancer (Kunis) that threatens to consume her.
Starring: Jim Carrey, Ewan McGregor and Leslie Mann
Directed by: Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Starring: Anthony Mackie and Kerry Washington
Directed by: Tanya Hamilton
Starring: Jang Dong-gun, Kate Bosworth and Geoffrey Rush
Directed by: Sngmoo Lee
Starring: Ben Barnes, Skander Keynes and Simon Pegg
Directed by: Michael Apted
Starring: Ben Afleck, Tommy Lee Jones and Chris Cooper
Directed by: John Wells
Starring: Helen Mirren, Alfred Molina and Djimon Hounsou
Directed by: Julie Taymor
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp and Timothy Dalton
Directed by: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale and Amy Adams
Directed by: David O. Russell
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Reese Witherspoon and Paul Rudd
Directed by: James L. Brooks
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart and Dianne Wiest
Directed by: John Cameron Mitchell
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner and Michael Sheen
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Starring the voices of: Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake
Directed by: Eric Brevig
Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw
Directed by: Shana Feste
Starring: Jack Black, Emily Blunt and Jason Segel
Directed by: Rob Letterman
Starring: Ben Stiller, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand
Directed by: Paul Weitz
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Hailee Steinfeld
Directed by: Joel and Ethan Coen
Starring: Jim Broadbent, Leslie Manville and Imelda Stanton
Directed by: Mike Leigh
Starring: Javier Bardem and Guillermo Estrella
Directed by: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarittu
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Kelly Preston and Barry Pepper
Directed by: George Hickenlooper
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams and Mike Vogel
Directed by: Derek Cianfrance
To comment on this or any other PCR article, please visit The Message Board. This week's commentary, "Holiday Movie Preview," is ©2010 by Michael A. Smith. All graphics this page are creations of Nolan B. Canova, ©2010, all rights reserved. All contents of "Nolan's Pop Culture Review" are ©2010 by Nolan B. Canova.