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Big Openings: June 13,
2008
By Myles
Hughes
Hulk and
Happening compete this weekend...
So, is everyone nice and relaxed after a few weeks of tame releases?
Good, because it’s time for a new batch of big, loud summer blockbuster
releases. This week, the director of The Transporter tries to
succeed where the director of Brokeback Mountain failed, and Mark
Wahlberg is on the run from………something or other. Don’t worry; it’s more
exciting than it sounds (for the most part).
THE INCREDIBLE HULK
Starring:
Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, Tim Blake Nelson, and William Hurt
Synopsis:
Based on the Marvel comic of the same name, a mild-mannered scientist
struggles to find a cure to a mutation that causes him to transform into
a green giant of pure rage.
Critics:
Ang Lee’s 2003 take on the Hulk wasn’t exactly a difficult act to
follow, but last month’s take on fellow Marvel superhero Iron Man
certainly was. Reviews indicate that this new Hulk dispenses with
psychological probing and convoluted storytelling in order to strip it
down to a simple action movie, and in most cases this is a better
direction for the character. Though it’s not all that deep, and lacks
the wit and charm of Iron Man, the film delivers the goods in
terms of delivering thrilling action sequences. The performers do what
they can with the material, with Ed Norton giving his best, Liv Tyler
emoting as quietly as possible, and Tim Roth having fun as the villain.
Oscar Prospects:
I’d normally say Best Visual Effects, but I have a hunch that it won’t
last all year.
Verdict:
Better than Hulk, not as good as Iron Man.
Ultimately, it’s just an action movie, and if you like action movies,
the comics, the original series, or the actors, then it’s definitely
worth your time.
THE HAPPENING
Starring:
Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo, and Betty Buckley
Synopsis:
A curious epidemic causes people to lose any and all survival instinct,
forcing a community to go on the run from the unseen threat.
Critics:
If you’re like me, and found the trailers to be incredibly unhelpful in
explaining what exactly the threat is, then the film itself will do
little to help. Critics are labeling this one yet another misfire from
M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense), whose artistic downward
spiral seems to be continuing. The story is vague and ridiculous, and
therefore there is a severe lack of urgency or alarm. The usually strong
cast is merely serviceable at best, and apparently even after the film
is over there will be head scratching as to what the problem was.
Oscar Prospects:
Nope.
Verdict:
With this kind of reception, it’s difficult for me to really recommend
this movie to anyone. If you absolutely must check it out, wait for DVD,
it’ll be cheaper.
Also worth checking out
if you haven’t already:
SEX AND THE CITY
– For hardcore fans of the show only, but if you fit that category
you’ll have a blast.
KUNG FU PANDA
– Last week’s box office champ reportedly had more universal appeal than
kids and their parents. Should be a good time.
INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
– Not the best film ever made, but you’ll feel left out in conversations
in the coming months because you still haven’t seen it.
Coming soon:
WANTED
– Seems like a blatant Matrix rip-off, but the cast is solid, and
there’s no harm in hoping for a pleasant surprise.
HANCOCK
– I don’t get it either. But Will Smith rarely missteps these days, so
maybe we should have faith.
THE DARK KNIGHT
– With the huge pedigree of the first film, the cast (old and new), and
the general hype that’s all set to explode, it can’t be that bad,
surely? Will it amaze? We’ll just have to wait and see.
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