Film fanatic who can't stop writing about/talking about/ and even make films. Follow me on Twitter: @JustinQuizon and on Tumblr: http://justinquiz.tumblr.com/

My god…does the darkness of the January movie going month hold no bounds? Am I forced to keep writing about movies that don’t excite me in either direction for the next two weeks? Yes…yes I am. Ok, so on THAT chipper note, what new movies are coming out this week, January 23, 2015?

Listen, don’t let my attitude defuse your hopes. For me, I usually use this month to just catch up on the other films I wanted to see last year (like the amazingly fucked up Gone Girl…which I really loved!) Like I said above some of these movies don’t excite me in one direction or another. Hell, some of these look like fine movies, just not any that grabs my attention to see it right away. So if any of these films grab you by the trailer alone, then FANTASTIC! I hope you get jazzed and seek the flick out.

And it’s not like garbage is coming out this week! Far from it, check out the first film we have…..

TheDukeofBurgundy

What’s it about? A woman who studies butterflies and moths tests the limits of her relationship with her lover.

My thoughts? Incredible visuals highlight a story that seems pretty damn kinky. The visuals alone are very eye catching, and if the film’s story can justify these great visuals then this movie certainly seems to be worth the time.

TheBoyNextDoor

What’s it about? Shortly after her divorce, a woman falls for a younger man who just moved in across the street, though their torrid affair takes an obsessive, dangerous turn.

My thoughts? There’s something kinda hilarious about this movie. The double entendres in particular, showcase a bizarre self awareness to the flick. Maybe that’s the real trick to enjoying this one. Don’t take it seriously. Maybe it helps that the director of this is Rob Cohen, the man who directed the first Fast and Furious movie. I’ve haven’t been a huge fan of his later movies, but something a bit smaller and weirder could bring out a new side to the director and make this work. Hey, I’m not saying I’m gonna see this…ever…but this might be a trashy and fun thriller, if that’s your sort of thing.

BlackSea

What’s it about? In order to make good with his former employers, a submarine captain takes a job with a shadowy backer to search the depths of the Black Sea for a submarine rumored to be loaded with gold.

My thoughts? A heist movie crossbreeds with submarine movie and you’ve got a flick with a ton of potential to be a real kick ass thriller. The cast is great, and you have a director who knows how to do gripping work. This could be cool little surprise for you.

Strange Magicf

What’s it about? Goblins, elves, fairies and imps, and their misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion.

My thoughts? In the year we get a brand new Star Wars, the creator  of the legendary franchise himself,George Lucas, brings us….this….thing. Ummm….yeah. Not really feeling this. It’s a strange conflict of styles. The films semi-realistic character designs clash with the films early Dreamworks pop-culture humor. It’sa shame that ILM’s first attempt to do a full length film using their incredible CGI skills ended up being this forgettable looking thing.

Cake

What’s it about? Claire becomes fascinated by the suicide of a woman in her chronic pain support group while grappling with her own, very raw personal tragedy.

My thoughts? There was more talk about how this film didn’t give Jennifer Aniston an Academy Award nomination then there was talk on how good the actual flick was. Now that the Oscar heat (or lack there of) is gone, it’s now time to properly look at the film as is. I do plan on seeing it as I like the comedic/dramatic stuff quiet a bit. It would be good to see how this works as a whole as oppose to look at it a showcase for Aniston (who does seem to be quiet good in this.)

Mommy

 

What’s it about? A widowed single mother, raising her violent son alone, finds new hope when a mysterious neighbor inserts herself into their household.

My thoughts? How about that, it’s another film that tried to aim of the Oscar gold and didn’t succeed in getting a nomination. To be fair, that was not the reason they made the film. No, judging from the trailer this film was made by some seriously talented filmmakers. I’m curious why the film isn’t in widescreen. Clearly it’s an artistic choice, and judging from the trailer this movie is full of amazing visuals. I’m really interested in the films complex mother and son dynamic as it’s clearly unlike anything I’ve seen in a film before.

mortedecai

What’s it about? Juggling angry Russians, the British Mi5, and an international terrorist, debonair art dealer and part time rogue Charlie Mortdecai races to recover a stolen painting rumored to contain a code that leads to lost Nazi gold.

My thoughts? What if Tony Stark was a flat out idiot, was married to Pepper Potts and Jarvis was a thuggish manservant as oppose to SIRI times 10? Then I guess it’s this movie? Actually, truth be told, I’m interested in seeing this one. Call me crazy, but the attempts of having a Blake Edwards/Inspector Clouseau-type character in a modern film sorta intrigues me. The kind of character that Mortdecai is very old fashion, and I sorta love that. BUT, I’m pretty sure most of you guys are tired of Johnny Depp’s shtick already, and I can’t blame you. If you hate watching him in this trailer then by all means, don’t freakin bother watching this. It will be hell on earth for you. If you are not, then hey! Maybe this will be a fun, small detraction of a flick.  The director of the film is David Koepp, and he’s pretty decent at making entertaining (if not memorable) romps, like Premium Rush and Ghost Town. (Thought his film, Stir of Echos, is pretty damn fantastic so I do suggest seeing that if you haven’t) Koepp has had a strong screenwriting career having done the scripts to Jurassic Park, Carlitos Way, Panic Room and etc. Maybe some of that good film work will rub off of this one.

What about you folks? Think I’m wrong and that this week looks like an amazing selection of films? Or did I nail it and you’re just gonna wait for these to either pop up on Netflix or Redbox? Let us know in the comments below!

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