December is a big month for movies looking
for Oscar glory. To increase their chances, a number of films are released in a
limited amount of theaters and then slowly expanded out throughout the
month. Since the release date will vary
nationally, this entire first edition of the "Flicks Flashforward" will be just about those movies.
ALL GOOD THINGS
Starring: Ryan
Gosling, Kirsten Dunst, Frank Langella & Phillip Baker Hall
Directed by Andrew
Jarecki for distribution by Magnolia Pictures
The Plot: Based on
one of the most notorious unsolved mysteries of New York City, the movie
recounts the story of a real estate mogul (Gosling), who was suspected but
never charged with the murder of his wife (Dunst).
The Final Word: Gosling and Dunst still remain on the fringes of the A-list, namely because
of their continued turns in these art-house independent films. Both have proven
they can handle mainstream roles, but this is the genre where they thrive.
BLACK SWAN
Starring: Natalie
Portman, Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis,
Barbara Hershey
& Winona Ryder
Directed by Darren
Aronofsky for distribution by Fox Searchlight
The Plot: Two
ballerinas (Portman & Kunis) vie for the lead spot in the New York City
ballet’s production of "Swan Lake," only to find themselves spiraling out of control as a result.
The Final Word: Darren Aronofsky is known for dark edgy style and this drama will no
doubt have plenty of both. It will also
have a lot of awards buzz, at least for the film’s leads Portman and Kunis.
While Aronofsky is one of the most talented young directors on the scene, he’s
always been shut out of the Academy Awards.
BLUE VALENTINE
Starring: Ryan
Gosling, Michelle Williams, Mike Vogel
John Doman &
Maryann Plunkett.
Directed by Derek
Cianfrance for distribution by The Weinstein Company
The Plot: After seeing their marriage begin to fall
apart (Gosling & Williams), a young couple use one night to relieve the
romance in hope of saving their relationship.
The Final Word: Told as a combination of flashbacks and present time, the movie is being
billed as an honest look at one relationship. Although the movie is being
looked at more closely because of its surprising NC-17 rating, which is
especially puzzling given the lack of violence or nudity that is usually
associated with that box-office killing label.
Knowing the Weinstein Company, they will find a way to get the rating
lowered and in the end that attention could actually draw in viewers.
CASINO JACK
Starring: Kevin
Spacey, Barry Pepper, Kelly Preston & Jon Lovitz.
Directed by George
Hickenlooper for distribution by ATO Pictures.
The Plot: The rise
and fall of one-time Washington D.C. lobbyist Jack Abarmoff (Spacey) is spotlighted
in this new drama.
The Final Word: The Abramoff scandal was one that was literally begging to be told on the
big screen and two time Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey will definitely do
the film justice. Unfortunately the
film’s release will be marked by a somber note as the film’s director George
Hickenlooper just recently and unexpectedly passed away.
COUNTRY STRONG
Starring: Gwyneth
Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund & Leighton Meester.
Directed by Shana
Feste for distribution by Screen Gems (Sony)
The Plot: A rising
singer/songwriter (Hedlund) teams up with a fallen country star (Paltrow) fresh
out of rehab, for a cross country tour, but begin to have problems when old
demons start to surface courtesy of her husband/manager (McGraw) and the beauty
queen turned singer that serves as their opening act (Meester).
The Final Word: Aside from the “Iron Man” movies, Gwyneth Paltrow has shied away from the
limelight in recent years to raise her family. Now the Academy Award winning
actress returns to the big screen in a movie that will remind audiences that not
only can she act, but she can sing!
THE FIGHTER
Starring: Mark
Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo & Jack McGee
Directed by David
O. Russell for distribution by Paramount Pictures
The Plot: The true
story of “Irish” Mickey Ward, a boxer from Lowell, Massachusetts who rose to
fame after a rocky early career.
The Final Word: Traditionally boxing movies do extremely well during the awards season
and Wahlberg has become an early odds on favorite to win big. Bale and Adams
who play Wahlberg’s volatile brother and love interest (respectively) are also
picking up early buzz which could land Paramount’s tentpole a TKO on Oscar
night.
I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
Starring: Jim
Carrey, Ewan McGregor, Leslie Man & Rodrigo Santoro
Directed by Glenn
Ficarra & John Requa for distribution by Roadside Attractions
The Plot: A married
man (Carrey) emerges from a severe car accident with a realization that he’s
going to live life to the fullest, which prompts him to come out to wife,
become a con-man and eventually pursue a relationship with a man (McGregor)
after he’s jailed.
The Final Word: Hollywood has tried to kill this movie a number of different ways and
every time it keeps pushing its way back to the forefront. Now with a December
release date and an awards campaign being mounted behind it, this comedy could
finally see the light of day. Although the next question is will people come to
see it?
RABBIT HOLE
Starring: Nicole
Kidman, Aaron Eckhart, Dianne Wiest & Sandra Oh
Directed by John
Cameron Mitchell for distribution by Lionsgate
The Plot: A couple
(Kidman, Eckhart) tries to reclaim a sense of normalcy after the unexpected and
tragic loss of their only child.
The Final Word: Kidman and Weist have already heard their names called on Oscar night and
honestly it won’t be long before Eckhart and Oh experience the same thrill.
This is a talented group of actors and Lionsgate does a great job in promoting
its award contenders. While the dark
subject will only enhance the move in the eyes of the voters, it could also
cause the public to shy away.
THE KING’S SPEECH
Starring: Colin
Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter,
Guy Pearce &
Michael Gambon.
Directed by Tom
Hooper for distribution by The Weinstein Company
The Plot: The true
story of how King George VI (Firth) found his voice courtesy of a Lionel Logue
(Rush), a maverick speech therapist called in to help him overcome a stutter.
The Final Word: If early critics lists are to be believed, this year’s “Best Picture”
race is over and “The King’s Speech” is the winner. Breaking it down further,
the movie does have everything voters love and with the Weinstein’s guiding the
PR ship, it should be a smooth ride across the award season waters.
THE TEMPEST
Starring: Helen
Mirren, Russell Brand, Chris Cooper, Alan Cumming
Reeve Carney, Tom
Conti & David Stratharin
Directed by Julie
Taymor for distribution by Touchstone (Disney)
The Plot: When a sorceress (Mirren) is unfairly exiled
to a remote island along with her young daughter, she uses her powers to protect her new home, but soon develops another enemy.
The Final Word: The famed Shakespearean tale gets the big screen treatment with “Across
The Universe’s” Julie Taymor at the helm. Many also remember Taymor from
Broadway’s “The Lion King,” and those who do know exactly what she’s capable
of, which bodes well for this adaptation.
Although purists may balk at Taymor for changing the role of the
sorcerer Prospero to a female sorceress
named Prospera , they have to agree the Bard’s work has always been subject to
different interpretations and this will definitely be a different
interpretation.
