PREVIEW WEEKLY: JANUARY 29, 2010

Grand Readership,

January is coming to a close and I still haven't gotten out a review.  I promise, it will change (I'm again, hoping for FISH TANK this week).  In the meantime though, please find my buzz on this week's releases. Can MEL GIBSON star in $100M film again?  Is KRISTEN BELL really suited to carry a picture?  The answers and more, coming up!  Hey, did you know JOSH DUHAMEL is so handsome he can impregnate a woman just by looking at her?  Scary!

WHEN IN ROME (DIR. MARK STEVEN JOHNSON)

WHEN IN ROME seems harmless enough.  A rom-com with two awfully handsome stars, KRISTEN BELL and JOSH DUHAMEL.  ROME marks BELL's first feature in which she headlines... DUHAMEL will likely just have to look pretty... and the director, JOHNSON - well I'll put it this way.  He went from directing SIMON BIRCH to GHOST RIDER.  When seeing a WILL ARNETT clip recently (he has a small role in the film) I was surprisingly disappointed with how he was used and if the inherently genius ARNETT ceases to spark laughter in me, I fear for the rest of the players.  Certainly a great date flick - or if you're looking to check out and drool at screen for 90 minutes or so.  Otherwise, wait.

EDGE OF DARKNESS (DIR. MARTIN CAMPBELL)

MARTIN CAMPBELL may just be one my favorite director - and I'm not even sure I need to qualify that by suggesting it's a guilty admission.  Who can argue the skill with which he handles an action thriller?  He rebooted JAMES BOND (twice) with GOLDENEYE and CASINO ROYAL - delivered the awesomely satisfying VERTICAL LIMIT and didn't miss entirely with his two ZORRO entires (of which, I prefer the first - MASK OF ZORRA in 1998).  CAMPBELL teams up with MEL GIBSON for EDGE OF DARKNESS - which promises gritty, revenge-fueled bedlam.  Supporting players include RAY WINSTONE - who I can't help but love.  The biggest question on this picture is whether or not GIBSON has the capacity to drive audiences... he hasn't headlined a film since SIGNS back in 2002 (and that was still when SHYAMALAN was still hott).  Maybe the most thing I'm excited for?  The screenplay was written by WILLIAM MONAHAN - who many will remember penned BEST PICTURE, THE DEPARTED.  Make an attempt to see in theaters if this sort of thing strikes your fancy.

NORTH FACE (DIR. PHILLIPP SOLZL)

NORTH FACE comes to us from Germany - and is an action thriller about two men attempting to summit the north face of EIGER - arguable the most brutal rock face in the Alps.  It looks suspenseful, grizzly - and comes packaged with 1930s high Nazi propaganda - not a bad bill of health for some.  Could be worth checking out for sure!

SAINT JOHN OF LAS VEGAS (DIR. HUE RHODES)

What is it about STEVE BUSCEMI?  He's always getting himself into the ultra indie scene... and frankly, I respect it.  He's got great talent, a distinct look, why not lend a hand (and limited notoriety) to pictures in need of both?  RHODES may as well be a first time director - and minus a few voice over niggles, the trailer keeps me interested enough.  Can he manage all the story lines he's suggesting?  I hope so.  SARAH SILVERMAN never did much for me, but VEGAS does have that hot girl from ENTOURAGE... how vexing!  May not be worth seeing in the theaters, but may be a good flick to check out when it hits the shelves.

PREVIEW WEEKLY: JANUARY 22ND

Grand Readership,

The usual deal: my instincts on this week's releases... and this week marks a very boring end to an eventless month at the theaters (apart from, you know, AVATAR pretty much printing money at will).  I'm going to do my best to see FISH TANK (released in NYC last week) and throw a review of that up.  I should probably mention the GOLDEN GLOBES but doing so would give them volumes more credit than deserved (frankly I give more clout to the day-time EMMYS).  If you're on the cusp to see CRAZY HEART, be sure to check out COMEDY N CHAOS' review of it here.  Enjoy!

LEGION (DIR. SCOTT STEWART)

STEWART is more an FX guru than director, but LEGION may indicate his changing role behind the camera is a permanent one.  I'm sure he fought the studio (SCREEN GEMS) for every FX penny he could, but from the trailer - I'm not quite sure he secured enough.  Epic in nature, LEGION hopes to satisfy on the horror/fx/apocolypse level?  I think?  Who knows, really - but it looks amusing if you're into that sort of thing.  PAUL BETTANY leads, DENNIS QUAID is involved, as is TYRESE GIBSON and CHARLES S. DUTTON (a favorite of mine).  Sure, go see it... but not on my account.

TOOTH FAIRY (DIR. MICHAEL LEMBECK)

Many of you know of my unabashed love for THE ROCK aka DWAYNE JOHNSON.  There's something about the way he can handle himself, somehow delivering on timing but never taking himself too seriously... it's perfect.  JOHNSON stars here as an amateur athlete sentenced to serve one week as the tooth fairy.  Hilarity ensures (we hope), caked thickly (I'm sure) in kid-friendly icing.  Maybe the highlight of this picture (which doesn't particularly strike my fancy) is that JULIE ANDREWS co-stars.  For those needing to take the kids to something... otherwise, heck, I don't know when you see this.  Here's to hoping THE ROCK goes back to some PG13 action comedy... or in a perfect world - getting himself into some gritty R action!

EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES (DIR. TOM VAUGHAN)

EXCRUCIATINGLY-ORDINARY MEASURES stars HARRISON FORD and BRENDAN FRASER and KERRI RUSSELL and, oh my god, should I even finish?  To quote a dear friend of mine, "I thought this was a made for TV CBS special."  And who could blame him?  In the film's own promotions, it claims to be "as inspirational as THE BLIND SIDE"... now I'm no director, but that's not exactly the first thing I want people hearing about my film.  MEASURES no doubt speaks to a specific audience type - and nothing will stop them from charging the box office for the TUESDAY matinee.  And please, its not that I don't like saving children from cancer... but who could argue this picture wouldn't be far more telling as a well-explored documentary?  One must accept HOLLYWOOD'S need to hire beautiful people to tell "true" stories, but when the subject matter is as delicate as it is in this case, it's all the more maddening to have tailored performances and pitch-perfect scripts.  I consider this the best example of HOLLYWOOD bile out there.  Avoid.  Or see the documentary - if they ever wise up and make one.

CREATION (DIR. JON AMIEL)

Director JON AMIEL certainly has a varied resume, even if it isn't the most polished.  He gave us the entertaining ENTRAPMENT, a forgettable action flick in THE CORE and somewhat of a cult hit thriller COPYCAT.  CREATION tells the story of Darwin and stars PAUL BETTANY as the man and JENNIFER CONNELLY as the man's wife (she's his real-life wife as well, for those curious).  It's not that I have anything against CREATION, but rather, have no feelings on it whatsoever.  I saw CONNELLY promote the picture recently on late night - she didn't have much to say, as it would turn out.  Heck, I suppose for the Darwin geeks out there this is like BATMAN vs SPIDERMAN set on PANDORA... but for the 98% of the public... why exactly are we seeing this?  Man struggles with god.  Not exactly a fresh topic... See as a date flick, if you're a fan of CONNELLY or said geekdom applies to you.

PREVIEW WEEKLY: JAN '10 TO DATE

Grand Readership,

Yeah, yeah - I know.  It's Preview WEEKLY.  Not MONTHLY.  But in a vain attempt not to begin 2010 too far behind... you'll find a quick recap of the first three weeks in JAN 10 releases (1/1, 1/8, 1/15).  Nothing too notable here - but then again...

THE LOSS OF A TEARDROP DIAMOND (DIR. JODIE MARKELL)

If you haven't heard of this film, it's not your fault.  The biggest promotion this picture received is that it's an adaptation of a lost TENNESSEE WILLIAMS' screenplay.  Apart from that, there's not much to see.  BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD doesn't seem awful - but the trailer is so gut-wrenchingly bad I can't imagine the picture being anything better.  Feels like TITANIC; but the version that swept the Razzies, not the Oscars.  See at your own risk.

DAYBREAKERS (DIR. MICHAEL SPIERIG & PETER SPIERIG)

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times: if the frackin' Cohen brothers can figure out how to credit one director, surely the throngs of underling sibling director teams can, can't they?  Still, the SPIERIG brothers should be excited - DAYBREAKERS is by far their largest budgeted picture and features their biggest star vehicle in ETHAN HAWKE.  How either of those occurred remains itself a mystery, but I won't go as far as to say the trailer was bad.   For the vamp-thriller fans out there, it may be good popcorn flick... for the rest of us, well, one can always see AVATAR again.

YOUTH IN REVOLT (DIR. MIGUEL ARETA)

One day the rest of the world will awaken to the disaster that is MICHAEL CERA.  A true one-trick pony, best used meagerly in ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT and subsequently over-used in everything else he's been in.  At least DAVID LETTERMAN agrees; anyone watching CERA's recent appearance could attest LETTERMAN wanted nothing to do with the little ____ .... I'll let you fill in the blank.  The director, MIGUEL ARETA, has seen most of his success in television, YOUTH IN REVOLT will mark his biggest feature to date.  I can't help but get the feeling this film is trying too hard - and has been for the some two years its been in post production (two years of post on a film like this is never a good a sign, by the way).  See in the theaters if you're a CERA fan or particularly curious about this faux coming of age film... otherwise a better flick for home viewing.

LEAP YEAR (DIR. ANAND TUCKER)

Some will remember ANAND TUCKER directed the STEVE MARTIN written dramedy, SHOPGIRL - a simple, okay film from 2005.  This time he's got the (sometimes?) amazing AMY ADAMS and the lesser known MATTHEW GOODE.  LEAP YEAR is cute enough, girlfriend on roadtrip to see boyfriend when intercepted by cute-guy-and-forced-to-rethink-plan-friend.  You've seen it a hundred times, so once more won't hurt.  I'd watch ADAMS in about anything - and I don't get the impression it's offensively redundant.  A good choice for a date flick, or if you're an ADAMS fanatic.  Otherwise, wait.

CRAZY ON THE OUTSIDE (DIR. TIM ALLEN)

Yes, the same TIM ALLEN from HOME IMPROVEMENT and all the troubled tabloid stories.  CRAZY ON THE OUTSIDE marks TIM ALLEN'S directorial debut and he's pulled together quite a cast to help him along the way.  Despite being armed with SIGOURNEY WEAVER, JK SIMMONS and RAY LIOTTA (among several others, I assure you) - CRAZY seems a bit boring.  No one can argue ALLEN can really pull together a cast though - I'm curious to see whether he's serious about directing and refining himself behind the camera, or if this is one of those, "I told you I could direct a movie" movies.  We will have to see - but not many will do so in theaters (myself included).

THE SPY NEXT DOOR (DIR. BRIAN LEVANT)

I am in no way surprised at this picture.  JACKIE CHAN in a kid-romp-slapstick-comedy directed by a frequenter of the genre (LEVANT did such pictures as BEETHOVEN and JINGLE ALL THE WAY).  I am, however, a bit surprised the studio didn't throw a holiday spin on this and cash in on the NOV/DEC crowd.  Doesn't seem like it will find much of an audience considering what else is avail to the PG crowd (and considering further that most parents may stretch the limits and allow their children to see the PG13 AVATAR).  If your not with persons under the age of 10, there's no reason to see this picture.

THE BOOK OF ELI (DIR. ALBERT HUGHES, ALLEN HUGHES)

Please see above re: my thoughts on multiple directors (and that these two are actually twins infuriates me even more).  But THE BOOK OF ELI has struck my curiosity.  Sure, it has a lot to do with being set in a post-apocalyptic world... but also has a lot to do with having GARY OLDMAN in it.  And, I'm a huge fan of the HUGHES' MENACE II SOCIETY - and thrilled that they're back behind the camera, armed with a budget and (several) stars.  For those people who like this type of action/intrigue/apocalyptic crap - and for those guys out there who have the next pick in date flicks. Let me know what you think about this one - could go either way - certainly worth a trip to the big screen for the photography alone.

FISH TANK (DIR. ANDREA ARNOLD)

A highly touted British picture that comes stateside with all sorts of festival credentials.  It's a coming of age story, and finally one that doesn't shy away from "reality" (although typing such an absurd sentence is rather sad).  It has a sharp look and from what I can tell, some incredible performances.  One of those pictures that communicates so genuinely the life of a person that moving from humor to drama is not only flawless but natural.  Definitely check out if it's in your area.

THE LOVELY BONES (DIR. PETER JACKSON)

That PETER JACKSON chose KING KONG to follow his epic LOTR trilogy wasn't too alarming - but deciding to helm THE LOVELY BONES next may surprise more than a few.  BONES is an adaptation from ALICE SEBOLD'S critically acclaimed novel by the same name, in which a 14 yr old is raped and murdered - and as a spirit in heaven helps guide her friends in family in solving her murder mystery.  To say JACKSON'S BONES hasn't been met with critical praise would be a grave understatement, and the promotions (spinning it more as a supernatural thriller than the poetic journey SEBOLD provided) don't seem to be helping.  I imagine you've decided whether or not to see this one - perhaps a fan of either the book, or JACKSON you feel inclined.  I certainly won't discourage, but for the rest of you, you're fine to wait for the in-home release.

FRIDAY - MAY 29

Grand Readership,

I have been looking forward to the weekend of MAY 29 for well over a year, and DISNEY PIXAR'S UP has teased me as far back as WALL-E. And that it's released in the same weekend as SAM RAIMI'S return to horror in DRAG ME TO HELL makes it seem too good to be true. I imagine UP to become the second highest grossing film of the summer and year, behind only MICHAEL BAY'S TRANSFORMERS. JAMES CAMERON'S highly anticipated AVATAR will challenge both come December, but will only have one week of release in 2009. If you're headed to the theater, be sure to see UP.

Enjoy!

UP (DIR. PETE DOCTER/BOB PETERSON (III))

Although it's impossible to have a house as richly talented as PIXAR, one would imagine the dream team tandem of PETE DOCTER/BOB PETERSON (III)) to be one of the best. I won't bother listing their successes, but rather will share a short anecdote: UP is widely rumored to be the last of the "original" ideas put on the table at PIXAR'S founding creative meeting. As if the picture didn't need any additional hype, what, between it's universal praise and breathtaking appeal, we're left with a sinking wonder if this will the last of the great DISNEY/PIXAR creations.


DRAG ME TO HELL (SAM RAIMI)

As most of the geek community is well aware that DIRECTOR SAM RAIMI (SPIDER-MAN TRILOGY) got his start in grassroots horror with the success of his BRUCE CAMPELL films, they will be able to smile as millions flock to theaters to see a genre rebooted from the master himself. OK, DRAG ME TO HELL isn't that special. But for the horror fans and geeks who don't want to see STAR TREK for the eighth time or see PIXAR make another smash by the same count, this is a solid choice.

PREVIEW WEEKLY - FRIDAY MAY 22

Grand Readership,

Surprisingly, I have avoided the BOX OFFICE report - but even if I didn't, my prediction that TERMINATOR SALVATION will disappoint wouldn't change. The first week won't be the worst, either. SALVATION will flop hard and send several WARNER BROS. productions to a screeching halt as they digest how they could produce TDK (THE DARK KNIGHT) one summer and then fluke hard and fast the next. NIGHT AT THE MUESAM should do fine - but really has no chance against DISNEY'S UP, being released next week. If I were you, avoid the theaters this weekend and wait for the good stuff.

Enjoy!

TERMINATOR SALVATION (DIR. McG)

TERMINATOR SALVATION is the latest footnote in WARNER BROS. well-publicized (a la T3) neglect for a once-great franchise; with the latest iteration being helmed by McG (CHARLIE'S ANGELS) and hailed as disaster. I suppose if you're a die hard TERMINATOR fan you may have interest, but even those would be mention this later picture same breath as T2: JUDGEMENT DAY. Let's face it, WARNER BROS. messed up - but they have time to recover. Let's just hope they listen. Avoid.


NIGHT AT THE MUSEAM: BATTLE FOR THE SMITHSONIAN (DIR. SHAWN LEVY)

The DIRECTOR, WRITERS and STARS from the original are back - a fact that would suggest 20TH CENTURY FOX is taking after their biggest competitor DISNEY in keeping together creative teams that work. Also adopted from DISNEY? The colon riddled title. BEN STILLER is tiresome, the gag is old - but frankly, its better than most of what's released. If you find yourself at the theater this weekend - its the best new pick.

PREVIEW WEEKLY - FRIDAY MAY 15

Grand Readership,

Back to being on schedule! This week holds the high profile follow up to THE DA VINCI CODE, ANGELS AND DEMONS and two other smaller pictures in THE BROTHERS BLOOM and MANAGEMENT. ANGELS AND DEMONS will be hard pressed to oust STAR TREK, but then again, THE DA VINCI CODE saw wild success. Who can blame the audiences, frankly. If the only TOM HANKS I'm going to get anymore is packaged by RON HOWARD and inspired by DAN BROWN... well, I have no choice but to take it! BROTHERS BLOOM has some quiet hoopla around it - and feels like it could be a sleeper hit of sorts. MANAGEMENT won't do much, but will be a nice alternative to for the non-blockbuster crowd... Enjoy!


ANGELS AND DEMONS (DIR. RON HOWARD)

There isn't much to say about ANGELS AND DEMONS - at least in the sense that many have already made their mind up about this picture. Either you're a TOM HANKS fan or a DAN BROWN fan (or less likely a RON HOWARD fan) or for some reason just refuse to buy into the STAR TREK buzz. ANGELS AND DEMONS is a direct follow up to THE DA VINCI CODE; ROBERT LANGDON (TOM HANKS) is back - this time alongside EWAN MCGREGOR and the two are charged with tracking down a mysterious but imminent threat in the ILLUMINATI. The trailer is more a less a step by step of the plot and the cliff hanger device couldn't be more transparent. Still, DAVID KOEPP wrote the screenplay - and he's helmed so many monster hits he's in a league of his own. Like I said, you know whether or not you're going to see it... but as for me, I couldn't be less interested.


THE BROTHERS BLOOM (DIR. RIAN JOHNSON)

THE BROTHERS BLOOM sort of snuck up on me. There has been some buzz, mostly good, and it's packaged with some talented young stars in RACHEL WEISZ, ADRIEN BRODY and MARK RUFFALO. I haven't seen ROBBIE COLTRANE in a while and am eager to see what he brings to the table (seldom be the instance where he's let me down). The writer/director RIAN JOHNSON previously gave us BRICK - a well-received but puzzling picture deemed a detective noir but set among teenagers. THE BROTHERS BLOOM opens in limited cities this week and gets a wider release on MAY 22. Definitely for the quirkier crowd - we'll have to wait and see if it's a picture everyone should check out.


MANAGEMENT (DIR. STEPHEN BELBER)

MANAGEMENT is writer/director STEPHEN BELBER's first role in such a title - and I have to say it looks promising. Starring STEVE ZAHN, JENNIFER ANISTON and WOODY HARRELSON, there's enough appeal in those three to get me off my couch. Let's hope ZAHN fares better in this than his earlier entry this year, SUNSHINE CLEANING, but his failure in that was more a lack of screen time than anything else. ANISTON hasn't overdone it lately, which is perhaps a sign of maturity on her part or perhaps a lack of interest on the studios part. Whichever it is, the script seems clever enough to justify choosing... and any opportunity a women gets to make out with WOODY HARRELSON is always, at least, an interesting choice. Sadly, not much of a chance at the box office- but that it's getting a release says a lot about it. I'd check it out if you're a fan of any of the above, otherwise, waiting for the in-home release would be far from criminal.

PREVIEW WEEKLY - FRIDAY MAY 8

Grand Readership,

Late, late, late! Almost too late to preview these movies - but why the heck not? A great blockbuster in STAR TREK and then some quieter releases... I don't see STAR TREK having trouble dismantling WOLVERINE (hopefully permanently) and should do very strong the next week against ANGLES & DEMONS. We'll have to wait and see - until then, check out the sneak peaks below!

STAR TREK (DIR. JJ ABRAMS)

People who know me know I'm no friend of JJ ABRAMS. Sure, M:I:3 was fun, LOST is a cultural phenom and everything that is tagged with JJ ABRAMS seems to fly off the shelf. Still, I've been sore about him. However, even I cannot deny this is the freshest take on STAR TREK since NEXT GENERATION - and the trailer riles up genuine interest in me - both in story and action. STAR TREK features some newcomers (certainly to this scale of picture) in CHRIS PINE and ZACHARY QUINTO (who play KIRK and SPOCK respectively) as well as some more seasoned veterans in SIMON PEGG, ERIC BANA and JOHN CHO. Is STARK TREK this year's IRON MAN? Certainly appears that way - and it has my vote. See this in a theater, but don't bother with IMAX.


NEXT DAY AIR (DIR. BENNY BOOM)

NEXT DAY AIR marks BENNY BOOM'S first entry into feature filmmaking, and seems be a simple enough premise: a package containing drugs being delivered to the wrong address and hilarity ensues. That BOOM was able to keep this picture rated R in a time where PG13 is all the studios want, is a good sign that he's able to sell his own material (his writer is also a first timer in BLAIR COBBS). NEXT DAY AIR stars MOS DEF (BE KIND REWIND, THE ITALIAN JOB), whom I have a huge soft spot for and DONALD FAISON who's been reliably entertaining in NBC'S SCRUBS. Won't do much at the box office - but there should between $5-10M for the taking in its opening weekend.


RUDO Y CURSI (DIR. CARLOS CAURÓN)

RUDO Y CURSI follows two small town brothers (RUDO and CURSI) who make it big as professional football players in MEXICO - and their lives and they adjust to newfound wealth, fame and opportunity. Director CARLOS CAURÓN was a writer on Y TU MAMÁ TAMBIÉN and has worked with GAEL GARCÍA BERNAL often. BERNAL has star power across the road having such smash hits as Y TU MAMÁ TAMBIÉN, AMORES PERROS and THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES. Looks light enough, and if its playing in your city and the foreign language scene is for you, there's no reason to miss it.

PREVIEW WEEKLY - FRIDAY APRIL 24

Grand Readership,

How could one possibly preview six films and only be able to reccomend... maybe one of them?? The answer, my friends, is encompassed in the blasé weekend that is APRIL 24th. I can't blame the studios, frankly. There have been enough good pictures released in the past month or so to garner a decent box office and this weekend is clearly the dumping ground before the much hyped (at least by me) unofficial blockbuster kickoff next weekend. Heck, I'm not even sure if I can will myself to see one of these pictures... maybe TYSON if it strikes me. Don't stop visiting the site though if I cave and review 17 AGAIN this weekend (despite it being 7 days old). Regardless - have a look below and good luck finding anything worth seeing!

Enjoy!


OBSESSED (DIR. STEVE SHILL)

While it isn't clear how BEYONCE failed to receive first billing on this picture, what is clear is how transparent OBSESSED'S device is. This is female empowerment at its best (worst?) - and this latest picture by TV director STEVE SHILL (boy that'd be a tough last name to live with in show-business) is almost a declaration that the genre no longer takes itself seriously. I'm saddened to see BEYONCE choose a script so scummy it can barely survive a trailer, considering she's done excellent character work in PINK PANTHER and AUSTIN POWERS (yes, I'm intentionally neglecting DREAMGIRLS) but hopefully this is but a mere smudge on an otherwise beautiful complexion. See only as a joke... for this is nothing more.



FIGHTING (DIR. DITO MONTIEL)

FIGHTING actually seems better than it should be - and it's feature star (ouch, TERRANCE HOWARD) is CHANNING TATUM - who has shown enough to executives to land a role in the upcoming PUBLIC ENEMIES alongside DEPP and BALE. FIGHTING is helmed by DITO MONTIE, who hasn't done much, but seems at least proficient in generating interest. That TERRANCE HOWARD gets second billing on this picture won't help his existing anger problem, but what studio would want to promote an actor who was intentionally left out of the sequel to the smash-hit IRON MAN? As new releases go, this will contend with OBSESSED for top spot, but will be hard pressed to have legs unless I'm missing something pretty big (but heck, I've been wrong before ... a la HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT which has made a tidy $50M+).



THE SOLOIST (DIR. JOE WRIGHT)

Let's face it, there is no chance THE SOLOIST can impress me. It's director was responsible for the near-insufferable ATONEMENT - which predictably and correctly bombed at the OSCARS. JAMIE FOX, while talented, is past the breaking point for me and needs to stop taking himself so seriously (and stop picking roles he thinks he'll win OSCARS for...). I'm surprised ROBERT DOWNEY JR picked this, but frankly - saying RDJ surprised in any capacity borders on foolish. I'm sure some will be hooked by the ultra-dramatic trailer - and that it's a true story, but sitting through this without losing your lunch may be the ultimate tale of truth. This picture won't have much of a chance, and clearly the studios don't feel it's OSCAR worthy by dumping it off in April, so what's the point? Avoid.



TYSON (DIR. JAMES TOBACK)

Having only followed MIKE TYSON'S career loosely at best, and this film about the same, I can say with confidence the following: How can't there be enough material to justify a documentary on TYSON? TYSON is enthralling at least, and it's been called landmark career work for director JAMES TOBACK, who's had a heck of a career as it would go. The buzz is good, the trailer is better and it's subject has been a consistent source of controversy for nearly two decades. If your scene is documentary, be sure to check this out - TYSON won't be going away anytime soon, even if most of its success is in print as opposed to the box office.




MUTANT CHRONICLES (DIR. SIMON HUNTER)

In some ways, I'm saddened that MUTANT CHRONICLES didn't garner enough support to merit a decent budget (decent being the operative word in a market where a $100M budget is considered decent) - but it does leave one to wonder if the script is that strong. The director, SIMON HUNTER, is more or less a newcomer, although the writer, PHILIP EISNER, is responsible for the cult hit EVENT HORIZON. While I'm not expecting MUTANT CHRONICLES to re-invent... well, anything - I do expect at least a thoughtful and earnest attempt. The picture features stars such as JOHN MALCOVICH and RON PERLMAN (HELLBOY, to mention his most base) and the premise, humans in an apocalyptic fight for survival, has enough potential to provide some depth. Sadly, CHRONICLES won't be able to rake box office success, but that's not to say we should discount this at first pass. For those who are curious... otherwise, catch in the home release.



THE INFORMERS (DIR. GREGOR JORDAN)

That THE INFORMERS is based on a BRET EASTON ELLIS (AMERICAN PSYCHO) novel should be telling enough of the content. The execution however, is left to be determined. The buzz surrounding INFORMERS couldn't be worse, but there is enough star power in BILLY BOB THORTON, ROURKE, RYDER and BASSINGER to merit some worth (one would hope). Still, the promotions have been scarce at best and if the trailer is indicative of what we're to expect, prepare to be keeping track of more story lines than necessary. INFORMERS has little chance of box office success, and seeing it disappear before it even solidifies wouldn't be surprising. If you're close to the source material from ELLIS, there's not much reason NOT to check it out - but otherwise, wait patiently for this to get an overly promoted in-home release.

PREVIEW WEEKLY - FRIDAY APRIL 17

Grand Readership,

This week features two star-studded pictures in STATE OF PLAY and 17 AGAIN - although I'm leaning towards the much buzzed IS ANYBODY THERE? We're only a few weeks away from the official launch of the blockbuster season (WOLVERINE, MAY 2) and the studios are hoping to get a few more weeks of profitability on the smaller pictures before conceding to the tent-poles. STATE OF PLAY should do well in its first week and who wouldn't want to watch the adorable pre-hunk-a-zoid EFFRON in 17 AGAIN? Previous releases FAST AND FURIOUS and HANNAH MONTANA should hold up pretty well - the former not as good as the latter.

Enjoy... what will you be seeing?


STATE OF PLAY (DIR. KEVIN MACDONALD)

Whether or not RUSSELL CROWE wears thin on your nerves (I can tolerate him from time to time) will likely inform your interest in KEVIN MACDONALD'S STATE OF PLAY. MACDONALD recently helmed THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND - a picture that delivered FOREST WHITAKER his first OSCAR - proof that MACDONALD can at least generate a performance, but can he generate a picture? LAST KING was too clearly a vehicle for WHITAKER and with a star studded cast that includes CROWE, AFLECK, MCADAMS and MIRREN (naming only a few) - STATE OF PLAY seems too top heavy to balance. Knowing that thrillers are notorious for having an uphill battle at the box office (the list of thriller box office duds is longer than STATE OF PLAY'S list of stars) won't help - but that TONY GILROY (MICHAEL CLAYTON) wrote the screenplay may. Will make some money this first week then slip quietly into May.


IS ANYBODY THERE? (DIR. JOHN CROWLEY)

IS ANYBODY THERE? certainly has buzz going for it and rumor has it this is MICHAEL CAINE'S best role in years (but honestly CAINE is rarely off mark). More concerning is how director JOHN CROWLEY will fare, having only shot one other theatrical feature in INTERMISSION - which starred the usually annoying COLIN FARRELL. IS ANYBODY THERE? does feature BILL MILNER, who earned a bit of stardom from 2007's SON OF RAMBOW. This picture will be hard pressed to pick up any momentum - but enough people are talking about it to earn an LA/NY release. I will be taking a chance with this one, seems like the right kind of picture (dare I call it a lightly buttered drama?) to counter the impending blockbuster madness.


17 AGAIN (DIR. BUR STEERS)

17 AGAIN is so clearly a showcase for upcoming star ZAC EFFRON and a (maybe last-chance?) highlight for ailing comedy guru MATTHEW PERRY that it's lack of creativity isn't surprising. Forget that the concept (a middle aged person wakes up as a teenager or visa versa) has been used more than the MATTHEW PERRY prescription pill punch-line, 17 AGAIN is more about getting EFFRON off the HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL boat and onto the mainland comedy scene. Also with LESLIE MANN (now married to HOLLYWOOD hotman JUDD APATOW) and directed by BUR STEERS - who gave us the interesting but muddled IGBY GOES DOWN in 2002. Should steal much of the HANNAH MONTANA crowd away and do fairly well for a week or two.


CRANK: HIGH VOLTAGE (DIR. MARK NEVELDINE AND BRIAN TAYLOR)

This follow up to the moderately successful CRANK from 2006 features the same over-ripped, empty eyed and gruffly spoken JASON STATHEM. Part of CRANK'S original appeal was that it seemed to have little regard for it's main character and had a plot predicated on a condition that would prevent a sequel. Where FAST AND FURIOUS cranked up the level of its original appeal, HIGH VOLTAGE seems to have OVER-CRANKED (no pun intended). The problem here is that what made FAST/FURIOUS so enjoyable was that it forced itself to reach a broad audience (and consequently a moderate PG13 rating). HIGH VOLTAGE doesn't have this requirement, as displayed by a RED-BAND trailer so explicit I'm surprised it was ever released. Avoid this unless you're in mood for poorly done, overly explicit gratuity... wait, that doesn't sound so bad!

PREVIEW WEEKLY - FRIDAY APRIL 10

Grand Readership,

Welcome back to another PREVIEW WEEKLY - this one for the un-exciting week of APRIL 10! We have a DISNEY picture with widespread appeal and yet another sloppy-comedy. If I thought LAST weekend was time to catch up on rentals or missed flicks, I didn't have the foresight to see this one coming. Alas - be picky, be choosy - I'd just about avoid them all! Enjoy! (and if I'm way off, don't be timid, remind me)


HANNAH MONTANA: THE MOVIE (DIR. PETER CHELSOM)

WALT DISNEY isn't shy about milking the cash cow that is HANNAH MONTANA/MILEY CYRUS. It was barely a year ago that her 3D concert film launched (to moderate success) and this film feels like a natural progression and features (for better or worse) the autobiographical tale of MILEY CYRUS' two identities. If you haven't been paying attention, one is a teen-pop-phenom and the other is a quiet country gal. As awful as this sounds on paper, CYRUS has an enormous following, so she must be doing something right. A DISNEY bomb is rare and this should please millions and rival FAST AND FURIOUS for the top spot at the box office.


OBSERVE AND REPORT (DIR. JODY HILL)

Those who know me, know I've been on record calling for a sabbatical from SETH ROGEN for months. Everything he touches feels instantly played and if I'm forced to sit through another picture with a thousand awkward ROGEN glances, I just might keel over. It isn't a promising sign that DIRECTOR JODY HILL'S entry to TV via the HBO series EAST BOUND & DOWN was a disastrous six episode stint. I'm a huge ANNA FARRIS fan - but can't imagine her presence saving OBSERVE AND REPORT, although I do suspect she's already regretting adding this to her resume. Doesn't have a chance at the box office and hopefully we can all forget this ever happened.


DRAGONBALL EVOLUTION (DIR. JAMES WONG)

There is little reason to think DRAGONBALL will be a success on any level - although it's foreign appeal may skew the box office figures. Still, JAMES WONG gave us FINAL DESTINATION (and the third one of the series), so he's proven he can handle the launch of a franchise. Having said that, the effects look amateur at best, the cast is a mess and the plot couldn't be more irrelevant (and recollects a level on nonsense not realized on screen since the MORTAL KOMBAT films). Seems to be a sure case of material that should have remained in it's original genre(s).


ANVIL! THE STORY OF ANVIL (DIR. SACHA GERVASI)

At first glance one may think this the Canadian version of SPINAL TAP. But alas, ANVIL! THE STORY OF ANVIL is no mockumentary, but a compassionate portrait of a Canadian metal band that never made it big, despite claims of influence on Metallica and Slayer (among other smash hit metal bands). Here we follow what could be a final European tour and the recording of yet another album, on which rides the celebrity hopes of the now-fifties rockers. Frankly, a story about a group of people who, through either luck or lack of talent, never became hits doesn't seem like a good sell considering the multitude of current global crisis. If it peaks your interest, you're already ahead of me and from what people have been saying, you won't be disappointed.