New In Theaters - September 16th, 2011

DRIVE

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston,

Ron Perlman, Christina Hendricks, Oscar Isaac & Albert Brooks

Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn for distribution by FilmDistrict

The Plot: A Hollywood stuntman (Gosling), who moonlights as a getaway driver for criminals, finds his life and the lives of his neighbor (Mulligan) and her daughter in danger when he botches his latest job.

The Final Word: Eventually both Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan will find the same breakout popularity their co-stars have found in their careers, but some reason it’s taken longer than many people have thought. “Drive” could go a long way in helping boost their popularity as FilmDistrict has slowly made its mark on the Hollywood radar. It could also emerge as a surprise Oscar contender.

I DON’T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT

Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Greg Kinnear, Pierce Brosnan, Olivia Munn,

Seth Meyers, Kelsey Grammer, Christina Hendricks & Jane Curtin

Directed by Douglas McGrath for distribution by The Weinstein Company

The Plot: A workaholic finance executive (Parker) and family breadwinner finds her schedule getting even more hectic when she’s given new client (Brosnan) to whom she finds herself attracted.

The Final Word: Based on the novel by one-time Daily Mail writer Allison Pearson, the movie could do a lot to repair the damage “Sex & The City 2” did to Parker’s career. With an “A” list cast backing her and no direct competitors, the movie could prove to be a modest success and possibly put Parker in the conversation for Hollywood annual awards season.

STRAW DOGS

Starring: James Marsden, Kate Bosworth, Alexander Skarsgard,

Dominic Purcell, Laz Alonso, Willa Holland & James Woods

Directed by Rod Lurie for distribution by Screen Gems (Sony)

The Plot: A Hollywood screenwriter (Marsden) and his wife (Bosworth) return to her hometown following the death of her father, only to find themselves embroiled in a deadly conflict with her ex-boy (Skarsgard) and his gang of thugs.

The Final Word: Based on the 1971 Dustin Hoffman movie of the same name, the remake puts Marsadan in the title role of a man pushed to his breaking point when bullies target him and his wife. With Skarsgard’s “True Blood” popularity at an all-time high and a strong supporting cast, Screen Gems could see a strong showing for “Dogs,” but only is audiences aren’t turned away by the extremely violent final act.

Previewed next week: Abduction, Dolphin Tale, Killer Elite, Moneyball 

New In Theaters - February 25th, 2011

DRIVE ANGRY 3D

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