Out this week (29/01/2010)

I don't think any of the studios checked with each other before deciding on their releases for this week. It's like they all forgot there was a fifth Friday in January. There has to be a simple excuse like that to explain why there is only one bit box office contender and one major indie release. Sure there are a few foreign language pics for their respective audiences, but ultimately it's a choice between Mel Gibson's return to the screens and our film of the week: Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire.



Adoration

The usually reliable Atom Egoyam misfires with this study of a boy who misrepresents his life story, adding elements of international terrorism then publices his dilemmas on the internet. Whilst it could be an interesting conceit, the impact of internet storytelling has perhaps been utilised better in last years Afterschool.

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Breathless

Actor-writer-director Yang Ik-Joon can justifiable claim the lions share of the credit for his debut feature about victims of abuse and broken homes finding a connection. This realist drama may lurch towards a predictable violent finale but the journey looks more than worth taking.

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Edge of Darkness

Mel Gibson is back in his first starring role since 2002's Signs playing a Boston detective who winesses his daughter's assassination then must work out who did it and why. The trailer indicates government conspiracies, pounding car chases and cliche's galore. Watch at your own risk.

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Our Beloved Month of August

Portuguese comedy which has proved it's popularity in a string of international film festivals, as well as the Portuguese Golden Globes. Concerns a family/folk band during the summer season and beach front gigs it's the sort of light affair which could cross over well, unfortunately the lack of subtitled trailers may count against it.

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Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire.

This time last year Precious was just beginning to get good notices at the Sundance festival. Throughout the year it's not just mainatained that buzz but looks likely to win an Supporting Actress Oscar for Mo'Nique and a nomination in the film, director, lead actress and adapted screenplay categories. Not bad for a film from the director of Shadowboxer.

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Rann

Massively popular Bollywood look at the intersection between media and politics. It's had a rough ride getting to the screen, perhaps best typified by the way the Government have refused the film permission to use the key song in any publicity (as it samples the Indian National Anthem).

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