Folks …remember when I said September is a terrible month for movies?
Well, I’m not sure what happened… but this week is a strange exception.
The movies I’m gonna talk about range from “Hey! This looks kinda fun!” to “Holy crap! I need to see this!”
Sure, the first few weeks of September were rough, but I can honestly say that I’d be down to see any of this week’s movies.
What’s it about? When their father passes away, four grown siblings are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes and might-have-beens.
My thoughts? Sometimes I just wanna see a decent adult family drama/comedy. I love this cast, and Jason Bateman and Tina Fey as brother and sister is just too good for me to resist. This is one of those trailers I keep seeing in front of every movie I saw this summer, but yet it honestly didn’t bother me. It looks like a smart and entertaining film to me.
What’s it about? Private investigator Matthew Scudder is hired by a drug kingpin to find out who kidnapped and murdered his wife.
http://youtu.be/O6Ttj9tXzCA
My thoughts? Early word on this film is that it’s actually pretty damn solid and a great use of Liam Nesson. Writer/director Scott Frank will always have my attention, as his script for Out of Sight is just incredible. I never heard of the Matthew Scudder books, but this movie is apparently based on one of many in that series. If the fans of Matthew Scudder happen to be reading this, any thoughts on this adaptation?
What’s it about? A psychiatrist searches the globe to find the secret of happiness.
My thoughts? Who doesn’t love Simon Pegg? I love that Simon has gotten the chance to be a true leading man, in films that utilize his full talents and not just be “the guy in cult comedies.” Problem is, no one’s really flocked to see those films (Run Fatboy Run and How to Lose Friends and Alienate People). I’m hoping that changes with this one, as I feel this could be a great use of Simon. It seems like a really solid, fun, feel good comedy/drama that has a hell of a cast.
What’s it about? A soldier introduces himself to the Peterson family, claiming to be a friend of their son who died in action. After the young man is welcomed into their home, a series of accidental deaths seem to be connected to his presence.
My thoughts? The filmmakers from You’re Next are back, and from the reviews I keep reading from critics who’ve seen it, this is a real blast. I personally loved You’re Next. I found it to be a really clever and extremely well made horror thriller that doesn’t try to outsmart its audience, but simply entertain them. If you haven’t seen You’re Next, check it out on Netflix, and if you dig that flick then set your sights for when The Guest comes out, because it seems like the filmmakers are planning on delivering another fun and well done action thriller.
What’s it about? Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they’re all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow “runners” for a shot at escape.
My thoughts? Yes, it’s another movie based on a YA novel. Yes, this too is set in a dystopian future. Yes, this also is about a group of kids forced into a dangerous “game.” So why is this any different from the other attempts to catch fire for that Hunger Games-ish money? I don’t know yet, but honestly, I kinda dig the trailer to this one. It’s like a really action packed episode of LOST, and the action looks very cool. Reviews for the film have been solid so far so I’m actually gonna give this one a chance. Well, not in theaters, like on Netflix… or cable …or if I have a free ticket then – sure, why not the theaters. All that aside, yeah, I honestly want to check this one out.
What’s it about? When podcaster Wallace Bryton goes missing in the backwoods of Manitoba while interviewing a mysterious seafarer named Howard Howe, his best friend Teddy and girlfriend Allison team with an ex-cop to look for him.
My thoughts? Well, I could give you a complete detail history on the craziness of how this movie came to exist, but why don’t I let Kevin Smith explain it himself….
As a guy who grew up a Kevin Smith fan I’m happy to see him so re-energized and ready to strike back to filmmaking with a new direction. I’m glad to see him learn some mistakes, and to re-examine what he wants to do as a storyteller. It’s interesting to see him go the horror route with these last two films.
Red State is a very decisive movie. I admire Red State more then actually like it. I felt the film was a daring new direction with his visual style and with a grim concept. BUT, the movie dragged for me and felt directionless in terms of his screenplay. To say the weakest element for me in a Kevin Smith movie was a the script is a real shock and disappointment for me.
Tusk on the other hand, feels like the focus direction that was lacking in Red State. It also feels more like a genuine blend of the two kinds of films that Smith wants to make. It’s the darkness and the twisted concepts from Red State, mixed with his vulgar humor, his funny characters, and sharp dialogue that he’s known for.
Adding to the mix is Justin Long, a dude who I’ve been a fan for a while in a flick that seems to be a real big physical acting challenge for him, and the ever-engaging Michael Parks.
The reviews have been solid so far. I’m really looking forward to this one, and I hope I end up digging the craziness that is in store for me with this movie.
What’s it about? A computer hacker whose goal is to discover the reason for human existence continually finds his work interrupted thanks to the Management; namely, they send a teenager and lusty love interest to distract him.
My thoughts? It’s real simple. You either love Terry Gilliam films, or hate them. Do you hate them? Then your just gonna have to walk away right now, this movie ain’t for you.
Now… do you LOVE Gilliam films? You do? Then great, because I think this looks f***ing stupendous!
It’s Gilliam returning to a world similar to his brilliant film Brazil, and he seems to be giving it his all. The visuals in this trailer are just stunning, and his off-kilter humor is all over this thing. And if there is an actor working today that can easily fit into Gilliam’s world, it’s clearly Christoph Waltz.
This film has had an arduous journey to release, and I’m sure the main reason it’s been taking so long to get to theaters is simply because it’s a classic WTF Gilliam film. This is a weird movie, a very weird movie, but I wouldn’t ask for anything less the that when it’s concerning a Gilliam film. I’m glad it’s finally coming out, and I can’t wait to get my eyes drunk on his visual world….even if I don’t end up understanding what the movie actually about!
Ok folks, what about you? What films are you most looking forward to seeing this week? Justin Long as a ManRUS? Liam Neeson bringing back the bad ass? Or Christoph Waltz’s beautiful bald head? Let us know in the comments below!