|
Big Openings: July 4,
2008
By Myles
Hughes
WALL-E blew the box
office away this weekend!
The Oscar season may have kicked off with WALL-E, but it’ll be a
while before it’s in full swing. This week feature a few more laid-back
releases, involving Will Smith recklessly saving the world, and a
teenage drug-dealer learning to grow up. Sounds like a regular day in
the neighborhood by my standards, but let’s look closer…
HANCOCK
Starring: Will Smith, CharlizeTheron, Jason Bateman, and Eddie
Marsan
Synopsis: A superhero who has grown out of the public favor due
to his drunken antics earns a chance for redemption thanks to a public
relations executive.
Critics: Let’s face it, we all sleep safe at night knowing that
Will Smith is out there to fight any alien, robot, vampire, or other
threat to humanity. So maybe he’s a bit overdue to be playing a
superhero. Sadly, critics seem to largely agree that Hancock,
which starts off with the intriguing premise of an unpopular superhero,
turns south into brainless action and weirdly heavy drama. Smith and the
rest of the cast all pull their weight sufficiently, but the script is
muddled, the direction is confused, and the whole affair is aimless.
Oscar Potential: Best Visual Effects and a few other
Artistic/Techs aren’t out of reach, but the Academy may lean towards a
more critically popular film.
Verdict: Sounds like a misfire to me. If you’re looking for a
funny action movie about the antics of a drunken superhero, you’re
better off sticking with Iron Man.
THE WACKNESS
Starring: Ben Kingsley, Josh Peck, Olivia Thirlby, Mary-Kate
Olsen, and Method Man
Synopsis: In the summer of 1994, a recent high school graduate
struggles to make his way while courting the stepdaughter of his
weed-smoking shrink.
Critics: After the enthusiastic reception at Sundance, this
coming-of-age dramedy is told to feature a tight script, smooth
direction, a timely soundtrack, and some truly excellent performances
from all involved, especially Kingsley and Peck, who make for a likeable
offbeat duo. While the plot occasionally suffers from the familiar steps
of the genre, it is executed in such an appealing way that the film as a
whole is sure to please.
Oscar Potential: At the moment, it seems like The Wackness
could be this year’s indie-comedy-that-could, a la Little Miss
Sunshine, Sideways, or Juno. While I doubt it will go
as far as those films did, a Best Original Screenplay nod certainly
isn’t out of the question.
Verdict: If you’re a child of the ‘90s, then you already know if
you want to see this film. If you’re looking for a strong comedy with
good actors and nostalgic tunes, look no further.
Also worth checking out
if you haven’t already:
WALL-E – Don’t hide behind excuses like “I don’t do kids’ movies”
or “I’m not into that sort of thing”. This is a film that speaks to all
generations on all levels, and is a sheer pleasure to behold.
WANTED – If brainless action is your fix, and you’re a fan of
Angelina or up-and-comer McAvoy, this should float your boat nicely.
THE INCREDIBLE HULK – If you still want a superhero flick this
weekend, and Iron Man is no longer playing, this is a great
choice for mayhem indulgent fun.
Coming soon:
HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY – Early word is really positive, and
this looks like the summer where comic book franchises stand tall,
including…
THE DARK KNIGHT – Every early review coming in is solid gold, and
one has to wonder if there isn’t some legitimate Oscar potential in this
dark sequel.
STEP BROTHERS – Is it just me, or do the trailers for this film
look far funnier than the concept should generally allow?
Email Us
|
