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Big Openings: May 2,
2008
By Myles
Hughes
Iron Man officially
kicks off Hollywood summer season
Hello movie lovers, and
welcome to the inaugural episode of Myles’s Big Openings, where I’m
going to take it upon myself to fill you in on this week’s batch of new
film releases, as well as what the critics are saying, what the Oscar
potential could be, and what to look forward to. And now, without
further ado, let’s start this week’s releases.
IRON MAN
Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, and Gwyneth
Paltrow
Synopsis: A billionaire weapons designer is captured by insurgents on a
routine trip to Afghanistan and is forced to build a suit of armor to
escape. Returning home a reformed man, he sets to work on creating a
more powerful version of the suit to protect the world from the kind of
carnage he originally helped to create. Based on the Marvel comic book.
Critics: Not since Spider-Man or Batman Begins has a superhero origin
story received this warm a reception. Though they admit that it doesn’t
quite have the zing of those former films, it is still miles ahead of
most other comic adaptations. Director Jon Favreau keeps things moving
at a slick pace, the visual effects and action sequences (with one
exception) are solid, and the actors are all at the top of their game
(except for an underused Terrence Howard, whose character is clearly
being set up for the sequel). Despite a few minor flaws, they agree it
will leave you waiting eagerly for the next installment.
Oscar Potential: I think the most obvious early pick here would be for
Best Visual Effects (a la Transformers and Spider-Man, both previous
nominees with similar styles). Sound Mixing and Sound Editing seem like
safe early bets, although the early release may keep it from remaining
at the front of the pack for long. Also worth mentioning is the highly
praised performance of Downey, Jr., who will not be nominated for this
film, but whose raised profile over the summer (between this film and
the upcoming Tropic Thunder) may serve to push for a nomination for the
more Oscar-friendly The Soloist later this year.
Verdict: The summer blockbuster season has begun with a bang. If you
like action, superhero movies, and/or great performances, this will be
one to check out.
MADE OF HONOR
Starring: Patrick Dempsey, Michelle Monaghan, Kevin McKidd, and Sydney
Pollack
Synopsis: A womanizing bachelor finally discovers that he is in love
with his best friend, just in time for her to reveal that she’s been
engaged. He agrees to be her maid of honor, with the hopes of sabotaging
the wedding from within to win her for him.
Critics: Essentially positioned as a vehicle for Patrick Dempsey to move
from “Grey’s Anatomy” into the film business proper, critics are
labeling this chick-flick as exactly that: predictable, unrealistic, and
uninspired. There has been some praise as to some occasional moments of
genuine humor, as well as the decent chemistry between Dempsey and
Monaghan. For the most part, however, this rom-com from a guy’s
perspective does not appear to break much new ground.
Oscar Potential: None.
Verdict: If you’re in love with Patrick Dempsey, then you’ve already
made up your mind about whether to see this film or not. If you’re into
romantic comedies, Made of Honor looks to be a completely serviceable
date movie, but little more.
REDBELT
Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Emily Mortimer, Alice Braga, Tim Allen, and
Joe Mantegna
Synopsis: A jujitsu instructor who follows a samurai’s code of honor is
forced to compete when confronted with rising debt, a neurotic lawyer,
scheming fight promoters, and an aging movie star.
Critics: As with most of writer/director David Mamet’s work, the verdict
here seems to be interpretive: you either go for it or you don’t.
Supporters have praised the powerhouse performance of Chiwetel Ejiofor
and the impressive supporting cast, as well as some well orchestrated
fight sequences and moments of dramatic intensity. Detractors have
criticized the implausibility of some scenes and the semi-awkward
pacing.
Oscar Potential: Chiwetel Ejiofor has always been an actor to look out
for, and the level of praise surrounding his latest performance might be
laying the groundwork for a potential Best Actor nomination. The film’s
earlyish release will likely dash those chances, but at this point in
the year there’s no reason to rule him out quite yet.
Verdict: This is the kind of movie where you really have to make your
own mind, since the critics are somewhat divisive. My personal
observation is that it’s an acquired taste, but if you like Mamet’s
previous films, this one should be worth a look. The film opens in New
York and L.A. this week, and expands next week.
SON OF RAMBOW
Starring: Will Poulter, Bill Milner, Jules Sitruck, and Jessica
Stevenson
Synopsis: In 1980s Britain, two young kids set out to film a sequel to
Rambo: First Blood after witnessing a pirated copy of the original
movie.
Critics: After receiving rave audience reactions at last year’s
Sundance, the critics are all too happy to partake in the charming
silliness on display in this picture. Though actual reactions so far
have been mixed (some claim it as overly nostalgic and poorly
structured), most agree that there is genuine delight to be had in
following the antics of the two young stars, who are said to have great
chemistry and screen presence.
Oscar Potential: Indie Spirit Awards are certainly possible, but the
picture’s Oscar chances are zilch.
Verdict: If you want to see a sweet, innocent little story in which you
can travel back to the ‘80s and just have a good time, you won’t likely
go wrong here. The film opens this weekend in limited release.
FUGITIVE PIECES
Starring: Stephen Dillane, Rade Sherbedgia, and Rosamund Pike
Synopsis: A successful writer, who, as a child, survived the Nazi
occupation of Poland, is haunted by his past, following the execution of
his family and his rescue by a kind Greek archaeologist.
Critics: Though we have undoubtedly seen more than enough World War II
survival stories to last a lifetime in modern cinema, critics thus far
seem to agree that this latest entry, though somewhat self-conscious, is
a strong addition to the roster. Strong performances from Stephen Dillane and Rade Sherbedgia have received particular praise, and the
story is said to have some lasting potency.
Oscar Potential: Rade Sherbedgia won Best Actor at the Rome Film
Festival, but there’s little chance of a foreign name in a poorly
marketed May release to make it all the way through Oscar season.
Verdict: The film will be trickling into theatres in limited release,
but if you get a chance to see it, and you’re a fan of such films as The
Pianist and Schindler’s List, then this might be worth checking out.
Also worth checking out if you haven’t already:
Forgetting Sarah Marshall –
Judd Apatow’s latest comedy about a guy who
gets dumped, then runs into his ex while attempting to vacation in
Hawaii.
The Visitor – Playing in limited release, stars Richard Jenkins as an
isolated college professor who discovers himself when he helps two
illegal immigrants.
Young @ Heart – A documentary following a group of senior citizens who
go cross country singing everything from rock and punk to R&B.
Coming soon:
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian –
A mere two weeks after Iron
Man’s release, a new Best Visual Effects contender steps into the ring.
Can it compare with its predecessor (which also received a nod in this
category)?
Savage Grace – This festival hopper, based on a chilling true story, was
at one point last year drawing attention for Julianne Moore to receive a
Best Actress nomination; that is, until the release was delayed until
this May. Could her performance merit enough attention to rebuild that
buzz this year?
Mongol – The biopic of Genghis Khan was nominated for Best Foreign
Language Film last year. Did it deserve to be trumped by The
Counterfeiters? You be the judge.
So far, unless it turns out to be a major dud (unlikely), I see
no reason why we shouldn’t already consider Pixar’s latest to be a
virtual shoe-in for a Best Animated Film nomination even months before
its release.
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