Starring: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Anthony Mackie,
John Slattery,
Shohreh Aghdashloo, Michael Kelly & Terence
Stamp
Directed by George Nolfi for distribution by
Universal
The Plot: A aspiring
politician (Damon) decides to challenge what fate has in store for him when he
goes after the love of his life (Blunt), but soon finds himself the target of a
mysterious group of men charged with keeping order in the universe.
The Final Word: Based on a short
story by Phillip K. Dick, the man credited with “Total Recall” and “Blade
Runner,” “Bureau” asks the question “can we change our own fate?” Ironically
that is also the question Damon could have been asking himself after seeing his
2010 films “Green Zone” and “Hereafter” under-perform. Although among major
tent-pole releases, his track record is remarkably solid and with “The Bourne
Ultimatum” scribe, George Nolfi making his directorial debut, Damon looks
likely to re-capture the magic of the Bourne trilogy.
BEASTLY
Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Alex Pettyfer, Mary-Kate
Olsen,
Neil Patrick Harris & Peter Krause
Directed by Daniel Barnz for distribution by CBS
Films
The Plot: A modern day
re-telling of the classic “Beauty & the Beast” tale which focuses on a
spoiled rich kid (Pettyfer) robbed of his good looks by a Goth girl (Olsen) he
savagely spurned.
The Final Word: The story of
“Beauty & the Beast” and the story of CBS Films are both widely known by
this point. “Beauty & the Beast” is a classic tale of two people trying to
overcome a number of obstacles in the name of love and CBS Films is a classic
tale of a studio trying overcome a slate of dismal box office performers in the
name of business. Except we all know “Beauty” tends to have a happy ending. CBS
Films really doesn’t seem to know what to do with this film. Similarly as to how
the Beast was banished to his castle, “Beastly” was banished from its first
release date following the failure of CBS Films’ first two releases. I’m not
even sure the drawing power of Neil Patrick Harris or rising star Alex Pettyfer
will be able to help this movie survive its crowded release date. Although the
thing people tend to forget about CBS Films is that every one of its movies by
design have a small budget (by Hollywood standards) and at the end of the day they
do tend to re-coup their money. The problem is that CBS is a victim of its own
success. People of course associate the studio with the network and for the
network to be as successful as it is and not have the studio mimic that
profitability raises a few red flags. Then again perception isn’t always
reality, despite what certain people foolishly believe.
RANGO
Starring (voices): Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Abigail
Breslin,
Bill Nighy, Stephen Root, Ray Winstone, Beth Grant,
Ned Beatty, Harry Dean Stanton & Alfred Molina
Directed by Gore Verbinski for distribution by
Paramount
The Plot: A chameleon
(Depp) who daydreams about being a hero suddenly finds himself in that role
when he becomes a small town’s only hope against bandits.
The Final Word: Gore Verbinski,
known for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” trilogy, steps into the world of
animated 3D for the first time, with his friend “Pirates” star Johnny Depp
accompanying him. The versatile director is also taking his first stab at
writing for a full-length motion picture. All of those details combined give
“Rango” and Paramount a great chance of success at the box office. With
Verbinski not returning to the helm of the “Pirates” franchise, this movie may
the only chance audiences will get to see him and Depp re-unite on the big screen
for a little while.
TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT
Starring: Topher Grace, Anna Faris, Dan Fogler,
Teresa Palmer, Chris Pratt,
Michelle Trachtenberg, Lucy Punch, Michael Ian Black
& Demetri Martin
Directed by Michael Dowse for distribution by
Relativity Media
The Plot: A recent MIT
graduate (Grace) decides to throw away the future everybody wants for him and go
his own way, until he meets the girl of his dreams (Palmer) and realizes an
upcoming end of summer bash may be his only chance to impress her.
The Final Word: We’ve seen this
scenario a thousand times before where a group of teens or twenty-somethings
believe they can change their lives at one major (generally milestone related)
party. Although studios keep making them because if done right they tend to do
well at the box office, but unfortunately more often than not most fail. This
one is intriguing because it has a solid cast of rising stars, a fun trailer
and a great catalogue of 80’s hits at its disposal. Relativity can’t be
expecting to make a huge profit off of this one, but at least it seems to have
a decent shot at success.
Previewed next week: Battle: Los Angeles, Mars Needs Moms, Red Riding Hood
With the Academy Awards
coming up on this Sunday night, it’s time to take one last look at all the
contenders for the movie industry’s coveted top prize.
BLACK SWAN
Starring: Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis,
Barbara Hershey & Winona Ryder
Directed by Darren Aronofsky for distribution by Fox
Searchlight
“I just want to
be perfect.”
The
Summary:
A ballerina (Natalie Portman) competing for the lead spot in the
New York City ballet’s production of "Swan Lake," finds the pressure
of the competition impacting her grasp on reality.
The
Background:
Darren Aronofsky is known for dark edgy style and this drama had
plenty of both. It also has a number of nominations, including one for
lead actress Natalie Portman, who is the heavy favorite. While Aronofsky is one
of the most talented young directors on the scene, he’s always been shut out of
the Academy Awards, but this year both him and his movie were recognized with
nominations, a sure sign the voters are beginning to expand their very
structured horizons.
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa
Leo & Jack McGee
Directed by David O. Russell for distribution by Paramount
Pictures
I'm the one
who's fighting. Not you, not you, and not you.
The Summary:
The true story of “Irish” Mickey Ward
(Mark Whalberg), a boxer from Lowell, Massachusetts who rose to fame after a
rocky early career.
The
Background:
Traditionally boxing movies do
extremely well during the awards season and Wahlberg has become an early odds
on favorite to win big. Christian Bale, Melissa Leo and Amy Adams who play
Wahlberg’s volatile brother, mother and love interest (respectively) have
picking up buzz with every passing award ceremony. In fact many believe Bale
and Leo are locks to win which could land Paramount’s tentpole a TKO on Oscar
night.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph-Gordon Levitt, Ellen
Page,
Ken Watanabe, Tom Hardy & Michael Caine
Directed by Christopher Nolan for distribution by Warner
Brothers
“Dreams
feel real while we're in them. It's only when we wake up that we realize
something was actually strange.”
The
Summary:
A skilled thief (Leonardo DiCaprio) who extracts secrets from
people’s minds must reverse the process to reclaim his past and settle an old
score.
The
Background:
Warner Brothers knew it had something special in this action
thriller from the incredibly talented Christopher Nolan; although they didn’t
know just how special until the movie ballooned up the box office. The film
succeeded because audiences now know what to expect from the thriller’s
visionary director and as a result Warner Brothers was rewarded tenfold for
their trust and patience. Now Nolan, his cast and the studio are all reaping
the benefits this award season.
Starring: Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mia Wasikowska, Josh Hutcherson & Mark Ruffalo
Directed by Lisa Cholodenko for distribution by Focus Features
“marriage is
hard... Just two people slogging through the sh*t, year after year, getting
older, changing.”
The
Summary:
Two children (Mia Wasikowska & Josh Hutcherson) conceived
through artificial insemination and raised by lesbians (Annette Bening &
Julianne Moore) track down their birth father (Mark Ruffalo) and introduce him
into their lives.
The
Background:
This is not your typical family movie and that’s why it works.
With Bening and Moore, as a lesbian couple who have to come to grips with their
kids desire to meet their birth father, the movie already had a solid
foundation to build off of before the script was even finalized. This is also one of those type of movies that
the Academy had in mind when it expanded the Best Picture category to ten and
as a result it was given the recognition it deserved.
Starring: Colin
Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter,
Guy Pearce
& Michael Gambon.
Directed by Tom
Hooper for distribution by The Weinstein Company
“If I am King,
where is my power? Can I declare war? Form a government? Levy a tax? No! And
yet I am the seat of all authority because they think that when I speak, I
speak for them.”
The Summary:
The true story of how King George VI (Colin
Firth) found his voice courtesy of Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), a maverick
speech therapist called in to help him overcome a stutter.
The
Background:
If early critic’s lists are to be
believed, then this year’s “Best Picture” race is over and “The King’s Speech”
is the winner. Breaking it down further, the movie has everything Academy voters
love and with the Weinstein’s guiding the PR ship, it should have been a smooth
ride across the award season waters. Although in the early stage of the Oscar
race, the ship came across some rough sail as “The Social Network” went from
dark horse to frontrunner. Although now after a slew of important victories
under its belt, “Speech” could regain its status as King.
Starring: James
Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara & Lizzy Caplan
Directed by
Danny Boyle for distribution by Fox Searchlight
“You know, I've
been thinking. Everything is... just comes
together. It's me. I chose this. I chose all this. This rock... this rock has been
waiting for me my entire life”
The
Summary:
The true story of hiker Aron Ralston (James
Franco), who spent a harrowing 127 hours with his arm trapped under a boulder
in an isolated Utah canyon.
The
Background:
“Slumdog Millionaire” director Danny
Boyle chose to reunite with Fox Studios for his first film since his big Oscar
win a few years ago and so far it looks to be paying off. Ralston’s story was already
generating Oscar buzz well before its release, as was the actor portraying him.
James Franco has built up an amazing following the last few years even though
he basically dropped off the grid to go back to school. Although while Boyle
was snubbed in the Best Director category (and in good company this year), both
Franco and the film did pick up key nominations. It is unlikely either will
triumph, but both will make voters give pause.
Starring: Jessie
Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake, Andrew Garfield, Joe Mazzello & Rashida Jones
Directed by David
Fincher for distribution by Columbia Pictures (Sony)
“The
internet's not written in pencil... It's written in ink.”
The
Summary:
The story behind the rise of the
Facebook social networking phenomenon and the trouble sudden fame brought to
its creator (Jesse Eisenberg)
The
Background:
Similar to the social network website it is based on, the movie
started out with some solid buzz and then literally exploded onto the scene.
Talk went from it garnering a few nominations to later possibly dominating the
field, before finding a middle ground on nomination morning. Although the
question lately has become was it a case of “too much, too soon,” as the
original frontrunner “The King’s Speech” has run the table as of late.
Starring (voices):
Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty,
Michael Keaton,
Timothy Dalton & Whoopi Goldberg
Directed by Lee
Unkrich for distribution by Disney/Pixar
“So
long... partner.”
The
Summary:
As their owner prepares for college, a
group of toys begin to realize they face an uncertain future.
The
Background:
Pixar took its arguably most beloved
set of characters and gave them a send-off worthy of the era of they helped
usher in back in the late 1990’s. With this third and presumably final entry
into the franchise, the studio has proven once again there’s animation and then
there’s Pixar. Unfortunately, the Academy still believes that animated movies
don’t belong on the same tier as their live-action counterparts. Yes, they have
instituted a “Best Animated Film” award, but even that has come under
controversy. It’s unfortunate that movies like this are given a nomination in
what seems like name only. “Toy Story 3” was without a doubt one of the best
movies of 2010, but it is highly unlikely it will receive the votes needed to
win the big prize. While settling for “Best Animated Film” isn’t something to
be taken lightly, this movie deserves more.
Directed by Joel
Coen & Ethan Coen for distribution by Paramount Pictures
“You
must pay for everything in this world, one way and another. There is nothing
free except the grace of God”
The
Summary:
A fourteen year old girl (Hailee Steinfeld)
turns to a trigger-happy US Marshal (Jeff Bridges) for help after her father is
brutally murdered in front of her. Once she gets the Marshal on board, the
situation becomes more complicated when she insists on joining him in tracking
down the killer.
The Background:
In 1969, John Wayne starred in the
original “True Grit” and picked up his first and only Best Actor Academy Award.
With the Coen Brothers behind this 2010 remake, Paramount is hoping for similar
luck for both the film and lead Jeff Bridges who also happens to be the
reigning Best Actor winner. “Grit” started off as a dark horse courtesy of a
slow run at the box office, but has quietly moved to the forefront and
accumulated over $100 million at the box office. This horse may now be a stud.
Starring: Jennifer
Lawrence, John Hawkes, Lauren Sweetser,
Kevin Breznaha & Garrett Dillahunt
Directed by Debra
Granik for distribution by Lionsgate
“Never
ask for what should be offered.”
The
Summary:
A teenage mother (Lawrence) must search the Ozarks for her
deadbeat drug dealing father after he jumps bail prior to his trial.
The Background:
Every year the Academy nominates a handful of people and films
that the majority of the movie-going public has never heard about at all. This year a number of those slots were filled
by “Winter’s Bone” and its talented stars Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes. A
haunting drama, the movie has been on a number of critic’s year end lists and
has enjoyed a nice second life on DVD. While it is unlikely to pull off any
upsets, this time the prize may very well be the nomination.
Starring: Nicolas Cage, William Fichtner, Amber
Heard, Billy Burke & Katy Mixon
Directed by Patrick
Lussier for distribution by Summit Entertainment
The Plot: After his
daughter is murdered and his infant granddaughter is kidnapped, a hardened felon
named Milton (Cage) breaks out of “Hell” to seek revenge on those responsible
with the aid of sexy street-smart waitress (Heard) also out to settle a score.
The Final Word: I’ve always been
of the opinion that the studios are obnoxiously and blatantly cramming 3D down
the public’s throat just to turn a small profit. In the end, they will probably
kill their golden goose, but until then we are stuck with it. Although the only
time I’m ever okay with 3D for 3D sake is when movies likes “Drive Angry 3D”
are released. While most times the studios try to spin a scenario to prove that
3D is warranted, in this case Summit has come right out and said they know it’s
over the top, but that’s the appeal. Nobody goes to see this type of movie for
the plot, they go to see it for the action and the special effects. If a
distributor is upfront and honest about the way 3D is being used, I’m fine with
it; it’s just the unnecessary usage that needs to end.
HALL PASS
Starring: Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis, Jenna
Fischer, Richard Jenkins & Christina Applegate
Directed by Bobby Farrelly & Peter Farrelly for
distribution by New Line (WB)
The Plot: Two best
friends (Wilson & Sudeikis) becoming restless with the married life are
given a one week “Hall Pass” from their wives (Fischer & Applegate) where
they can do whatever they want without consequence.
The Final Word: Believe it or
not you have to go all the way back to 2007 to find the last movie the Farrely
Brothers directed. Now the men responsible for such films as “There’s Something
About Mary” and “Shallow Hal” are coming back with a clever take on the buddy
comedy and a strong cast of comedic actors attached.
Previewed next week: The Adjustment Bureau, Beastly, Rango, Take Me Home Tonight
Starring: Martin Lawrence, Brandon T. Jackson,
Jessica Lucas & Faizon Love
Directed by John Whitesell for distribution by 20th
Century Fox
The Plot: FBI agent
Michael Turner (Lawrence) and his stepson Trent (Jackson) must go undercover in
drag after Trent witnesses a murder on his college campus.
The Final Word: Believe it or
not, this franchise started back in 2000 and has somehow thrived at the box
office, despite only putting out a new movie (almost) every six years. Now,
Lawrence returns to cinemas across the country to reprise one of his most
popular and profitable roles with newcomer Brandon T. Jackson joining the cast.
With three tentpole pics slated to bow this President’s Day weekend, it will be
interesting to see how well this latest installment does considering its
predecessor failed to break the $100 million mark, which the original one had
no problem surpassing.
I AM NUMBER FOUR
Starring: Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant, Teresa
Palmer, Dianna Agron & Kevin Durand
Directed by D.J. Caruso for distribution by DreamWorks
The Plot: A teenager
(Pettyfer) with superpowers travels from town to town with his guardian (Olyphant)
trying to escape from extra-terrestrial assassins sent to kill his kind.
The Final Word: Rising star Alex
Pettyfer headlines this movie as John Smith, the fourth of nine super-talented
teens who can only be killed in the order of their number. Directed by
DreamWorks go-to director D. J. Caruso (“Distrubia,” “Eagle Eye”), this
super-natural action film also stars “Justified’s” Timothy Olyphant and
“Glee’s” Dianna Agron; both of whom the studio hopes will bring their TV
viewers into theatres.
UNKNOWN
Starring: Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones, Aidan Quinn & Frank Langella
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra for distribution by Warner
Brothers
The Plot: A doctor
(Nesson) wakes up in Berlin after a car accident to find out that a new man
(Quinn) has claimed his identity and his wife (Jones).
The Final Word: While we’ve seen
this “identity wiped away and nobody believes it” premise a thousand times,
there is just something about it that always seems to capture our attention.
Even more promising is the presence of lead actor Liam Nesson, who also starred
in “Taken,” which operated on a just as overly used premise, but did so with
great success. With a solid supporting cast, Warner Brothers could find the
same level success FOX found with the 2008 hit. Also working in its favor is
that of the three films opening President’s Day weekend, this is the only one
directly geared to adults.
Previewed next week: Drive Angry 3D, Hall Pass, Shelter
Starring: Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell, Donald
Sutherland, Mark Strong & Tahar Rahim
Directed by Kevin Macdonald for distribution by Focus
Features
The Plot: A Roman prince
(Tatum) and his slave (Bell) embark on a dangerous quest to recover a storied
artifact long ago lost by his father after a failed crusade that led to the
disappearance of 5,000 soldiers.
The Final Word: I honestly don’t
see the appeal of period pieces, but the movie studios love them despite how
must it costs to recreate the era. The difference here is that Focus Features
is has always marched to the beat of their drum and done so to great success,
so it stands to reason this could be a success. I just don’t see Tatum’s star
power being enough to drive in audiences. While he is on the cusp of breaking
through, he may need another solid or two to appeal audiences outside of the
“Step Up” demo.
GNOMEO & JULIET
Starring: (voices) James McAvoy, Emily Blunt,
Michael Caine, Jason Statham, Maggie Smith, Ashley Jensen, Patrick Stewart, Ashley Jensen & Ozzy Osbourne.
Directed by Kelly Asbury for distribution by
Touchstone.
The
Plot:The classic tale of Romeo
& Juliet re-invented with garden gnomes.
The
Final Word:Seriously despite the way the premise sounds; don’t brush this movie
off. Kids will love it, but adults may also get a kick out of it. With
music legend Elton John as the driving force behind it and a who’s who
of A-listers lending their voices, the movie deserves a chance. Even
more intriguing is that John’s songbook will be front and center
throughout the movie, along with a few new originals.
JUST GO WITH IT
Starring: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Nicole
Kidman, Brooklyn Decker & Dave Matthews.
Directed by Dennis Dugan for distribution by Columbia
(Sony)
The Plot: A shallow
plastic surgeon (Sandler) who uses a white lie to meet women, must turn to his
loyal assistant (Aniston) for help after his latest conquest (Decker) questions
his honesty.
The Final Word: Adam Sandler has
definitely had a few misses in his career, but with romantic comedies he seems
to deliver every time. Timed perfectly to coincide with Valentine’s Day
weekend, Sandler enlists Jennifer Aniston and recent “Sports Illustrated” cover
girl Brooklyn Decker, in his latest collaboration with director Dennis Dugan.
When you have a successful formula that has yet to let you down, you really
should “just go with it.”
JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER
Starring: Justin Bieber
Directed by Jon Chu for distribution by Paramount
The Plot: The true story
of Justin Bieber’s rise to fame as told through home movies and 3D concert
footage.
The Final Word: The other week I
wrote that “Sanctum” was a “a rare example of a time where the use of 3D is not
only justified, but will more than likely enhance the overall viewing
experience;” I can’t say the same thing in this case. This all comes down to
dollars and cents and Paramount knows “the Bieb” equals huge profits.
Previewed next week: Big Momma's: Like Father, Like Son, I Am Number Four & Unknown
