I thought about backdating this post by a couple of years so it looks like I was reading the future - but that would be a silly thing to do as no-one would read it (even less than the normal count of people who read the release round-up). Some interesting looking projects out this week, with Richard Ayoade's debut probably picking up the highest praise, but it's Woody who gets my - doubtless unwarranted - support with film of the week going to You will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger.
You will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger
Woody Allen returns to London for the fourth time with his latest relationship comedy, this time with a heavy dose of fortune telling providing the narrative force. He's persuaded high profile thesps like Anthony Hopkins, Naomi Watts and Josh Brolin to come along for the ride.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●●●●●○○
Lincoln Lawyer
Matthew McConaughey in non-romantic comedy shocker! He plays the titular attorney, conducting business out of the back of his car including defending the highly-dodgy looking playboy Ryan Phillippe. I'm guessing all is not as it seems. Marisa Tomei and William H. Macy pop up to provide sound advice.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●●○○○○○
Ballast
New Orleans based drama which follows the brother, wife and son of a suicide victim as they struggle to make sense of his actions and begin to piece their lives back together. Very highly praised on the festival circuit.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●○○○○○○
Route Irish
Ken Loach turns his critical eye towards the invasion of Iraq and the private security firms that appear to run unchecked amongst the criminal underworld of the Middle East. There are actual scenes of waterboarding in the film which the actor involved is suing for compensation right now.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●○○○○○○
Submarine
Richard Ayoade, Moss from the excellent "IT Crowd", makes his feature directorial debut with this Welsh coming of age story. Based on Joe Dunthorne's novel it focuses on the dilemmas faced by Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts) and his precocious thoughts about starring in the movie of his life.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●○○○○○○
Chalet Girl
It's getting far better notice's than it's trailer seems to warrent, but this British class-bashing romantic comedy, set in the European ski slopes might be a good bet for those wanting to waste a couple of hours. Felicity Jones and Ed Westwick are the forgettable leading couple, Bill's Bailey and Nighy among the faces you'll recognise.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●○○○○○○○
Cinar Agaci
The Turkish releases have been quiet lately (it always surprises me that the industry is so prolific over there) so it's good to see this familial drama, focusing on the relationship between a young boy, his single mother and his widowed grandmother getting a release.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●○○○○○○○
Anuvahood
Uncertain of tone and audience this is a gritty spoof of life on the mean streets of London. Co-directed by and starring Adam Deacon, one of the cast in the far-superior Kidulthood, who frankly should know better.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●○○○○○○○○
Saturday, 19 March 2011
All this will be seen in the future (Out this week - 18/03/11)
Friday, 20 August 2010
Who is Salt, What? Is she? (Out this week - 20/08/10)
It's an action packed week of high octane entertainment whichever way you look. In fact there's little chance of making it to a cinema without geting involved in a gun fight or a massive chase sequence whether you're running from big muscles, big fish or big lips. I'm torn beween Jolie and Stallone for the box office campionship but I imagine the former has more cross appeal and will therefore get more couples could be a close one. In terms of my choice for film of the week be aware that I'm writing this one week in advance so the score for a certain fish film is yet to be finalised and I've heard rumours that the latest Danny Dyer pic (Basement) is to be rushed into screens but I've yet to get any official confirmation. That said it's highly unlikely that any of the films will look better than Salt.
The Expendables
Sylvester Stallone has assembled "the most awesome action cast ever" for this predicatable CIA backed drug lord revenge action flick and much has been made of the Planet Hollywood reunion - personally I'd be more interested in seeing Greenwich Village alumni Eric Roberts and Mickey Rourke as snarling villian and wisecraking mechanic respectively.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●○○○○○○
The Illusionist
Based on an unfilmed script by genius French comedian Jacques Tati, Sylvain Chomet follow-up to the madcap Triplets of Belleville uses the same animation style and is bound to pick upsome serious fans worldwide for it's sly visual humour.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●○○○○○○
Marmaduke
The kind of talking animal pictue that makes Kitty Galorelook like a masterpiece in cinematic art. Run away and pray Owen Wilson can't sniff you out. Also starring William H. Macy.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●○○○○○○○
Mother
Joon-ho Bong's latest movie takes a long hard look at the relationship between Mother and Son following accusations of murder. Hye-ja Kim's performance as the titular matriach is rumoured to be excellent.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●○○○○○○
Piranha 3D
It promises much in the way of bitey fish and many semi-naked women. I doubt there's much space for a coherent plot or "fleshed out" characters, but then why would any of the intended audience be looking for that. Richard Dreyfuss and Elisabeth Shue prove they can't get any other work.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●○○○○○○○
Salt
Anjelina Jolie is accused of being Russian agent and then goes on the run - now that just looks horribly guilty. I don't believe any amount of disguise would hide Jolie's beauty but I think I'll be going to the nearest multiplex to see.
Runs like a Gay Excitometer: ●●●●●●○○○○
I know it's not confirmed - but I wouldn't want to miss the chance of taking a good look at Danny Dyer.
Friday, 13 March 2009
William H. Macy
Happy Birthday to
William H. Macy
59 today
Cheer up Bill, it's your birthday. Why not spend it watching The Cooler, Fargo, Mabnolia, or maybe just chilling with Felicity.
