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Big Openings: May 30,
2008
By Myles
Hughes
Are audiences getting
Carried Away this weekend?
Now that the initial
wave of big blockbuster excitement has died down a little, the summer
can peacefully transition into June with a week of relatively light
releases. This week we have four upper-crust women living their lives, a
loudmouthed martial arts instructor, a couple stalked by masked
strangers, and a desperate socialite who goes off the deep end. Ok,
maybe ‘light’ was the wrong word…
SEX AND THE CITY:
THE MOVIE
Starring: Sarah
Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Chris Noth,
and Jennifer Hudson
Synopsis: Based
on the popular HBO series, the film follows four gal pals as they
prepare to move on to the next step in their lives and their
relationships when one of them gets engaged.
Critics: The
verdict seems to be quite simple in this case, which is that if you are
a fan of the show, you will enjoy this movie. If you don’t watch it,
don’t get it, or don’t enjoy it, then steer clear, because this won’t
help. The performers are all top-notch, the script is bouncy when it
needs to be, and Jennifer Hudson evidently transitions from
Dreamgirls successfully in her first post-Oscar-winning role. On the
negative side, the film is very long for a chick flick (148 minutes),
and the alienation of non-fans of the show could prove detrimental to
most reactions.
Oscar Potential:
Best Costume Design, if we’re feeling generous. But I doubt it will last
with all these fine period pieces releasing later this year.
Verdict: See
above. If you like the show, go. If you don’t, don’t. Simple as that.
THE STRANGERS
Starring: Liv
Tyler, Scott Speedman, Gemma Ward, Kip Weeks, and Laura Margolis
Synopsis: A
couple attempting a romantic getaway in an isolated summer home find
themselves spending the night evading a group of masked strangers who
attack without evident motive.
Critics: The
critics seem a bit mixed on this one. On the one hand, the film has been
applauded for not bothering to do anything other than its job, which is
to scare the crap out of you, and doing that well. Others have dismissed
it for the same reason, because there’s nothing to it other than shocks,
scares, and terror.
Oscar Potential:
The days where Psycho strutted down the red carpet are long gone,
and they probably aren’t on their way back anytime soon.
Verdict: A tough
one to call. If you’re into these kinds of movies, you could do worse,
but I’m not recommending you go out of your way to check it out.
THE FOOT FIST WAY
Starring: Danny
McBride, Mary Jane Bostwick, Spencer Moreno, Carlos Lopez, and Ben Best
Synopsis: An
obnoxious bully of a Tae Kwon Do instructor hits the road to meet his
idol after discovering that his wife has been cheating on him.
Critics: Will
Ferrell and Adam McKay found this ultra-independent comedy (minimalist
budget and a 19-day shoot) some time ago, and are now helping to put it
on the screen in limited release. The movie itself contains a very well
received performance from Danny McBride (whose sudden popularity with
this film and with appearances in the upcoming Pineapple Express
and Tropic Thunder gives the impression of being groomed as the
latest Frat Pack regular). In addition, the film has a tight script and
a brilliant comedic heart, even when the jokes go over-the-top.
Oscar Potential:
Ummmmmm no.
Verdict: If you
can find it, and you like a good laugh, it should be a fun time.
SAVAGE GRACE
Starring:
Julianne Moore, Stephen Dillane, Eddie Redmayne, and Hugh Dancy
Synopsis: A
social climber marries the heir to a plastics company, and finds herself
at odds with him following the birth of their son, who she dotes on in
extremity.
Critics:
Decidedly mixed. While all three lead performers have been acclaimed for
their fearless work, the film itself has some fundamental flaws. Some
have found the story a little too perverse, and the characters a little
too unnerving to make for pleasant viewing.
Oscar Potential:
A Best Actress nod has been rumored for Julianne Moore for some time
now, but I suspect she’ll have to wait a little longer.
Verdict: It may
be tough to find in limited release, and one should proceed with caution
if they do come across it. This is a film that you have to make your own
opinion about.
Also worth checking
out if you haven’t already:
THE VISITOR –
I’m going to keep pushing this one. It really is rather fantastic, so
look into it.
INDIANA JONES –
Did you miss it over Memorial Day weekend? It’s perfectly serviceable
entertainment, if flawed and not particularly memorable.
THE COUNTERFEITERS
– Last year’s Oscar-winner for Best Foreign Film is still playing in
select theatres, and is absolutely worth a viewing.
Coming soon:
THE INCREDIBLE HULK
– Will it live up to the first film? That shouldn’t be very difficult.
Will it give Edward Norton the popularity boost that Robert Downey Jr.
just won off of Iron Man? Time will tell.
THE WACKNESS –
Could potentially be this year’s “indie-comedy-that-could”, with great
early festival word and a cozy mid-summer release.
THE CURIOUS CASE OF
BENJAMIN BUTTON – I know that December is an incredible stretch on
the concept of “soon”, but doesn’t the recently released trailer just
look fantastic?
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