I’m working on a big project for my professor at the moment in addition to forcing my way through Hurston criticism for my paper, so I don’t have time to do the trailer watch justice (you’ll notice I didn’t do it last week either). I hate making resolutions to do something on a regular basis and then not be able to do it after only two weeks. But here’s a brief look at what looks good…
April 19th
Vacancy – Not into snuff horror, though I do like both Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale, and it looks like it’s got an interesting atmospheric quality. Will probably skip.
Fracture – Anthony Hopkins is trying to recapture the glory of Silence of the Lambs, but this doesn’t look to be the thriller that’ll do it.
Hot Fuzz – From the people who brought us the delightful zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead (as delightful as zombies can be, anyway) comes this comedic cop tale. I’m going to try to get down to Austin to check this one out as soon as I have time, so yeah. Definite recommendation from me, sight unseen. Best Bet
In the Land of Women – Adam Brody is like the cutest thing every made, and though this film is getting slammed by critics (I think Rotten Tomatoes had it at 37% last time I checked), I wouldn’t necessarily avoid it. Limited.
The Valet – French comedy; it doesn’t look good per se, but it looks amusing in a very French way. Which is pretty much what the Andrew O’Herlihy said over at Salon.com (his “Beyond the Multiplex” column is always good reading, by the way–it’s a great source for finding those out-of-the-way or only-playing-in-NYC films). Limited.
The Tripper – I haven’t heard of this one, honestly, but “David Arquette’s directorial debut” doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. Limited.
Stephanie Daley – This is one of those that I’ve only heard of through O’Herlihy’s “Beyond the Multiplex,” and he really, really liked it. The subject matter looks pretty dark: Amber Tamblyn plays a teen who may or may not have concealed her pregnancy and killed her newborn baby. But Tamblyn is one of the best of the current crop of teen actresses, and Tilda Swinton is in here too, which gives the film indie cred out the wazoo. New York.
April 13th
Perfect Stranger – You’d think a thriller with Halle Berry, Bruce Willis, and Giovanni Ribisi would be good. Doesn’t look that way–the trailer’s bad, the buzz is bad, and the reviews are bad.
Disturbia – I’m actually interested in seeing this. It’s probably the echoes of Rear Window, which is, like, my favorite movie ever. I like the way it’s remaking Rear Window, but not exactly. Plus Shia LaBeouf, regardless of his difficult name, is pretty cute, in a way-too-young sort of way. Best Bet
Pathfinder – I couldn’t even find a trailer for this a few weeks ago, and it’s been getting horrible reviews as not nearly actiony enough for an action film and not nearly thoughtful enough for anything else.
Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theatres – I have some friends who really love this Cartoon Network Adult Swim show, but I’ve never watched it, and from what I hear, only fans of the TV show are going to like the film.
Year of the Dog – Molly Shannon as a forty-something single woman. Could be any number of things, but I’m hearing that it’s sweet, warm, and funny in a good way. It’s being compared to the similarly-themed The 40-Year-Old Virgin, but I sense that it’s a little less focused on getting laid and more focused on forging a relationship. I could be wrong. I haven’t seen either one. Limited. Best Bet
Redline – Hey, it’s The Fast and the Furious, but with a Hong Kong director. No, really. That’s basically all it is. Limited.
Slow Burn – According to IMDb, this was made in 2005, and is just now being released. This is not a good sign. Neither is the incomprehensible trailer. Some movies reward you having to figure them out, but judging from the early reviews and my own instincts…this ain’t one of them. Limited.