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Big Openings: May 9,
2008
By Myles
Hughes
Is Speed Racer destined
for failure?
Ladies and germs, we
are now in the thick of the 2008 summer movie season, and I doubt it
could have kicked off with a bigger bang than last week’s Iron Man
(which scored over $100 million in its opening weekend, making it the
second highest opening for a non-sequel ever, behind Spider-Man).
As compared with last summer, we don’t have quite as many sequels and
spin-offs (you mean we’ll have to be introduced to, *gasp*, original
ideas?). I am sorry to report that this week is quite as exciting as its
predecessor, if early word is to be believed. But hey, we’re an unbiased
website. You decide if this week’s batch is worth your attention.
SPEED RACER
Starring: Emile
Hirsch, Christiana Ricci, Matthew Fox, Susan Sarandon, and John Goodman
Synopsis: Based
on the classic cartoon series, the film focuses on a family of racing
enthusiasts, specifically the son Speed Racer, who vows to overcome
corporate corruption by winning the latest race, with help from the
mysterious Racer X.
Critics:
Evidently, the visual wow-factor of seeing CGI cars racing on a CGI
track wears off in no time. Most reviewers describe the movie as bland,
silly, and downright dull once the initial thrill of seeing the races
starts to wear off. Emile Hirsch, so good in Into The Wild, is
appealing enough, but this film won’t do his career any favors. Ditto
for the rest of the usually likable cast, forced to adapt to Star
Wars methods of acting against screens for the entire film. The
consensus thus far is that only die-hard fans of the show and very young
boys will be able to find something to like here.
Oscar Potential:
Visual Effects, other Artistic/Techs, maaaaayyybbeee. But something
tells me that the harsh critical response will leave it in the dust when
more worthy contenders arise.
Verdict: If you
are over the age of 12 and aren’t a fan of the show, I can’t imagine
there’s going to be much to like here.
WHAT HAPPENS IN
VEGAS
Starring: Ashton
Kutcher, Cameron Diaz, Rob Corddry, Dennis Farina, and Queen Latifah
Synopsis: A
slacker kicked out of his house and an overachiever fired from her job
both go to Las Vegas to get over their troubles. They meet up,
accidentally get married, and end up winning $3 million from a slot
machine. Forced to six months hard marriage, they devise ways to get the
other to leave so they can keep all the money.
Critics: If you
look at the cast and the concept, it’s fairly obvious exactly what
you’re getting into with this one. Critics say that the concept is
recycled and nothing new, and that the film seems to have a perversely
aggressive stance regarding love. The charming performances of Diaz and
Kutcher have been praised, to the extent of the material they’re dealing
with, of course.
Oscar Potential:
None whatsoever.
Verdict: If you
like rom-coms and/or chick flicks, you could certainly do better, but
for some forgettable popcorn comedy, you could do much worse.
THE FALL
Starring: Lee Pace,
Catinca Untaru, Justine Waddell, Daniel Caltagirone, and Leo Bill
Synopsis: A
young child living in a hospital befriends a bedridden patient, who
tells her a spectacular story of a group of adventurers fighting for
revenge from a vicious ruler.
Critics:
Produced in part by Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation)
and David Fincher (Fight Club, Zodiac), this indie release has
been applauded for its visual splendor. Unfortunately, it also seems to
be one of those films where too many pretty pictures are not necessarily
a good thing. Word is that the film is dramatically hollow, and that
despite the best efforts of the two leads, the whole thing comes off as
superfluous.
Oscar Potential:
With a limited release and a critical panning, this flick won’t be
remembered a month from now, much less into Oscar season.
Verdict: Even if
you can find it somewhere, it doesn’t appear to be worth your time.
Also worth checking
out if you haven’t already:
IRON MAN – Last
weekend’s box office smash hit also happened to be the best superhero
movie since Batman Begins (in this writer’s humble opinion). If
there’s a single thing about it that appeals to you (the comic book,
action movies, Robert Downey, Jr.) you owe it to yourself to check this
one out.
REDBELT – The
latest from David Mamet expands into more theatres today. If you’re
interested in that kind of thing, it should be worth a look.
THE VISITOR –
Check out the
Reviews section to see what I thought
about this little gem.
Coming soon:
THE CHRONICLES OF
NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN – One of this year’s strongest early bids for
a Best Visual Effects nomination.
INDIANA JONES AND
THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL – Even if the star is in his
mid-60s and the title doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, this year’s
Live Free or Die Hard looks to pack in millions. Will you be one
of them?
KUNG FU PANDA –
Could WALL-E potentially have some competition for Best Animated
Feature? Doubtful, but it could be fun.
THE DARK KNIGHT
– With a new trailer, some mysterious “concept art” of Two-Face, and
anticipation bursting at the seam, this sequel is poised to be one of
the summer’s biggest hits. Can the late Heath Ledger possibly score a
posthumous Oscar nomination?
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