LIMITLESS
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish,
Anna Friel & Tomas Arana
Anna Friel & Tomas Arana
Directed by Neil Burger for distribution by
Relativity
The Plot: An out-of-work
writer (Cooper) discovers a wonder drug designed to let him access 100% of his
brain, but finds his newfound intelligence comes with major side effects as
well as the interest of a shrewd business mogul (DeNiro) determined to use it
for financial gain.
The Final Word: This is a big
opportunity for “Hangover” star Bradley Cooper to show he can carry a film
without an ensemble to back him. He also won’t exactly be going it alone as
Hollywood icon Robert DeNiro is his co-star, but the fact remains it is a great
chance for Cooper to shine. He is a very talented actor and Relativity is
banking on him to carry this adaptation of author Alan Glynn’s debut novel.
THE LINCOLN LAWYER
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan
Phillippe,
William H. Macy, Josh Lucas, John Leguizamo, Michael Pena,
Trace Adkins, Katherine Moennig & Erin Carufel
Directed by Brad Furman for distribution by Lionsgate
The Plot: A charismatic
and at times morally challenged lawyer (McConaughey), who operates his firm out
of his Lincoln Continental car, is drawn into what seems like a straightforward
case involving a rich playboy (Phillippe) accused of attempted murder, but soon
finds himself in a cat and mouse game of manipulation with possibly deadly
consequences.
The Final Word: Some may be hard
pressed to name the last movie that McConaughey successfully headlined, but
surprisingly it was only a few years back in 2008 when he teamed with Kate
Hudson in “Fool’s Gold.” While that may seem like a while ago, by Hollywood
standards it is actually in the normal range. Although the year Lionsgate if
focused on is 1996, which is the year McConaughey first broke through as a
lawyer in John Grisham’s “A Time To Kill.” It is the studio’s hope that
McConaughey can reclaim that magic and help them launch what could turn into a
new franchise.
PAUL
Starring: Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, Seth Rogen, Jason
Bateman, Kristen Wiig,
Bill Hader,Jane Lynch, Sigourney Weaver, Joe Lo Truglio,
David
Koechner,Blythe Danner & John Carroll Lynch
Directed by Greg Mottola for distribution by
Universal
The Plot: Two sci-fi
geeks (Frost, Pegg) pick up an alien hitchhiker (voiced by Rogen) on a
cross-country journey through America’s UFO heartland and soon find themselves
the focus of a government task force designed to re-capture their new friend.
The Final Word: Frost and Pegg
are known for their irreverent humor in movies like “Hot Fuzz” and “Shaun of
the Dead,” which gives them a built in audience for this picture. The problem
will be drawing in the average viewer who may not be familiar with the pair’s
across-the-pond following. With a solid cast of supporting actors and Judd
Apatow staple Seth Rogen in the mix, it isn’t outside the realm of possibility
they could pull off a surprise at the box office.
Previewed next week: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules & Sucker Punch
