gwendolyngrace (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
gwendolyngrace) wrote2009-11-11 09:27 am
gwendolyngrace) wrote2009-11-11 09:27 am
Movies an'at
First off, there's a guy I sometimes see on the bus or train, and for a few months, he's been reading GRRM's "Song of Ice and Fire" - specifically, the third book. I saw him Monday for the first time in a while, and he was suddenly (at least, from my perspective) about halfway through the 4th volume. Ordinarily, he's wearing headphones, I'm wearing headphones, he never sits, never makes eye contact, so it's very hard to spontaneously strike up a conversation, but this particular day, he wasn't. And I happened to look up as he was putting his book away to get off the bus, so I observed that it looked like he was ripping through it much more quickly than the 3rd book. I think he was a little freaked, but honestly, am I the only person who notices other people's progress through their books?
I guess I don't win at public transportation protocol. Well, only a couple more weeks and then I shall menace innocent readers no more!
Anyway. One of the nicer benefits from BI are discount movie tickets for employees. There's a particular ticket that costs $7.50 and can be used for any showing, even new movies, which is about a $3 savings per ticket over the evening general admission price at our preferred theatre in Framingham. So I've been picking up tickets, and I have to say that as a result,![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
etakyma and I have gone to new-release movies a lot more often than in past years.
Well, with my layoff coming up, we both thought it would be prudent to stock up on a few tickets in case there are films we want to see coming out in the next couple months. So I went to Fandango this morning to cruise the list of upcoming movies. One thing I should say straight off is that generally speaking our criteria for seeing a movie on the big screen is that it has to be something for which you *need* the theatre - either because you really want to see it in cinemascope or you know that you want the fab sound quality, or something of that nature - or else it has to be something that you just HAVE to see and can't wait for it to come out on DVD. Bear that in mind; it helps explain why there are some potentially good films here that will automatically go on the Netflick queue.
And here, for your discussion, is an annotated list :
The End of Poverty?
Living in Emergency
William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe - Three documentaries, which is an automatic "NO". We do not spend money for documentaries in theatres, sorry. I may wind up getting the third one on Netflix, eventually, but probably not.
Pirate Radio - Netflix, for sure, but not something for theatres.
Uncertainty (A coin flip decides the day's fate of a young couple) - Eh, if it gets good reviews, I'll Netflick it; otherwise probably pass. Interesting concept, though, so I'll watch for the NYT review.
Heer Ranjha - No clue, except that it's Indian. Skip.
Dare (Three high school seniors decide they can no longer ignore their deepest needs and decide to take the biggest risks of their lives.) - SOOOO skip. BTW, I love how the blurb makes it sound like a bad fanfic - the kind where Harry, Ron, and Hermione all spontaneously admit their trio-love.... (Although, if it really is about a menage-a-trois, that takes it up a notch on the Netflick list, but still. Angst! Woe! Lip-biting!)
Oh My God (Filmmaker Peter Rodger explores and examines the different perceptions and thoughts people have on God.) - Another documentary, so automatic NO, but again, will need to see the reviews before I decide this might actually be interesting enough for a Netflick. Probably nothing I don't already know, though, so, I'm betting Pass.
Ten9Eight (Students who are at risk of dropping out enroll in a course that teaches entrepreneurship.) - probably wait for cable, unless it's panned by the reviews. Not sure if this is a documentary or a dramatization based on a true story.
Women in Trouble (A pregnant porn star (Carla Gugino) becomes trapped in an elevator with a neurotic woman.) - This has Adrianne Palicki, gang! It could be either very good or very bad, might have to be in the right mood for it. Definitely NOT a theatre film, though. Netflick if anything. Maybe cable if it's on and, again, I'm in the right mood.
2012 - Has a lot going for it... Special Effects, John Cusack, Disaster Film. OTOH, Mayan Calendar? Probably pretty stupid. May not be worth even $7.50. But it opens this weekend, so there's time to decide. When it comes to cable, definitely.
Twilight - Sorry,flourish, mrsbekkio, and anyone else on my flist who may be a Twinkie. NO SPARKLY VAMPIRES, m'kay? NO. SO MUCH NO.
Red Cliff (A massive war is waged between three kingdoms in China culminating in the battle of Red Cliff.) - Hm. Could be interesting. Foreign, which makes it difficult to Netflick (subtitles on small screen, meh), but OTOH, not really something I feel I need to rush out for. Maybegrouchyoldcoot and I could find it in Pittsburgh. If we felt like it.
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (A drug-abusing cop (Nicolas Cage) probes the slayings of five illegal immigrants from Senegal.) - Eh. It also has Val Kilmer, but meh. Netflick, perhaps.
The Blind Side - Netflick, but only if it gets decent reviews. Maybe cable.
Mammoth (Fate changes the lives of a couple, a nanny (Marife Necesito) and a working mom.) - Oy. No, probably not even Netflick.
The Messenger (A soldier struggles with an ethical dilemma when he gets involved with a fallen comrade's widow.) - Again, probably not. Bleh. Also, Woody Harrelson, which is generally not a recommendation.
Planet 51 - No.
Twilight Saga: New Moon - See above. NO SPARKLY VAMPS.
Broken Embraces (A man lives in obscurity after the death of the love of his life and the loss of his sight.) - Blech, depressing. No.
Fantastic Mr Fox - Now, this one has intrigued us in previews at a couple movies. It could be very good, funny, and entertaining - plus the animation looks pretty slick. OTOH, we may have already seen all the best scenes. I'm going to venture to say Netflix, but I'm willing to go if we're both in the mood.
Old Dogs - This, however, no. No way. It looks painful and stupid.
The Road - I've seen a couple commercials for this and it's a possibility. I'm not convinced it's one I NEED to see big-screen, though, so my bet is Netflix.
Ninja Assassin - Sounds like a great group movie, but as that doesn't look likely (well, maybe in Pittsburgh), I'm going to say probably not. Not even Netflix; more likely I will wait until I see this on TV or something like that.
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee (A woman inches toward a nervous breakdown after she and her husband move to a retirement community.) - Good cast (Robin Wright Penn, Wynona Rider, and Julianne Moore), so it depends on the reviews. If it's funny, I'll watch for it on cable. If not, then probably skip.
Brooklyn's Finest (Three cops (Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, Ethan Hawke) fall victim to the lure of easy money.) - Definitely a film I could watch on Netflix. Probably not TNT or regular cable because I'd bet they'll cut it to ribbons.
The Breaking Point (A man has to overcome a deep conspiracy and his troubled past to gain redemption.) - This blurb tells me nothing. No, unless some new information comes out.
Everybody's Fine (A widower goes on a road trip to reconnect with each of his grown children.) - Again, good cast (Robert DeNiro, Kate Beckinsale, Drew Barrymore), but definitely not a theatre film. Probably cable.
Serious Moonlight (A troubled couple finds themselves in a dilemma when a robber attempts to steal from them.) - Yuck, no.
Armored (Armored-car officers risk their lives after planning a heist on their own company.) - Hm. Matt Dillon, Jean Reno, Laurence Fishburne. Sounds kick-ass but paper-thin on plot. Netflick or HBO.
Brothers (A man cares for his brother's family.) - Jake Gyllenhall and Tobey Maguire. Hey, do you think if they're both on-screen I'll learn to tell them apart? Or is that Tobey Maguire and Elijah Wood I can never tell apart? Oh, well, anyway: it sounds depressing, so probably won't see it anyway.
Transylmania - The cast list was so long that I had to click on the movie link to find out anything about it. Judging from the thumbnail poster it looked like a sendup of horror films, presumably with a lot of sexual humour. Guess what? "a motley group of college students embarks on the wildest, sexiest, most outrageous semester abroad ever at 'Razvan University.'" Hm. Porky's set in a castle! Uh... pass, bigtime.
The Princess and the Frog - Ordinarily I would be excited by this twist on the fairy tale, but thanks to what Disney did to this princess, who surely did nothing to hurt them, I'm going to have to skip this travesty. Sadly.
All Good Things (The lover of a New York real estate scion suddenly goes missing.) - Straight up thriller, which means Netflick or cable.
Invictus (Nelson Mandela tries to unite his countrymen following the fall of apartheid in South Africa.) - DEFINITELY a Netflick. Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela - I can't think of better casting, for one thing. Not something for the theatre, but definitely Netflick. And tissues.
The Lovely Bones (A deceased girl watches over her family from heaven as they struggle to find out her murderer.) - Not for the theatre, but I think I need to know more about this. Oh, it's Peter Jackson. And based on an Alice Sebold novel. Hm. Netflick? Maybe? See how the reviews come in.
A Single Man (A gay professor (Colin Firth) plans to commit suicide in the wake of his lover's death.) - Netflick, definitely. Unless it's really, really depressing, but we'll see.
Avatar - I'm seriously thinking this may have to be seen in the theatre. It has all the hallmarks. Plus the discussion at Comic-Con was intense - which may indicate that because it's also hella expensive, they are pushing the crap out of it to try to recoup their costs. Still. It looks awesome. And Sigourney Weaver, hello! Plus, they're blue. Even if it's crack, it ought to be a good ride.
Nine - Not "9", but "Nine", the film version of the Maury Yeston Musical. (Sidenote: The release date has been pushed back. When "9" came out, "Nine" was on tap for Thanksgiving, but now it's being released on 12/18, for Christmas.) Anyway, we're going to this. No, it has no explosions. No, it does not scream "Big Screen Mandate Movie" - but it's a MUSICAL, gang. Ergo: it wins big-screen privileges.
The Young Victoria (Teenage Victoria (Emily Blunt) meets the love of her life and becomes England's queen.) - With Avatar and Nine coming out the same week, it's unlikely we'll go see this, too. Again, it's not a typical big-screen film, though, but it has the potential to be a costume piece. Still, of the three films, this one is definitely the one that will translate to a smaller screen most easily. So, Netflix.
Did You Hear About the Morgans? (Federal agents whisk two Manhattan murder witnesses (Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker) to Wyoming.) - Oh, how awful. I don't think even Sam Elliott can save this. No, no, no.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel - Um, I think I threw up a little just having to type that.
Sherlock Holmes - NO. NO. NO. Sherlock Holmes did not kickbox. Just NO.
It's Complicated (A divorcee (Meryl Streep) is caught between her ex (Alec Baldwin) and an architect (Steve Martin).) - Which tells you all you really need to know, except for one thing: WHO in their right mind releases this kind of film at friggin' CHRISTMAS??? Yuck.
Up in the Air (A corporate downsizing expert faces an end to life on the road just as he nears a travel milestone.) - Since this is George Clooney, I'm betting it's also Stephen Soderbergh, but regardless, it's not an in-theatre kind of film. Wait for the reviews before making a decision about Netflix.
Leaves of Grass - The cast tells me nothing; clicking the link to more information tells me nothing. I immediately think of Whitman, but since the genre is listed as "Comedy Thriller" somehow I don't think it has anything to do with romantic poetry. Pass.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (An immortal carnival master must collect five souls or else lose his daughter to the devil.) - Okay, Tom Waits and Christopher Plummer = cool, though it's a little creepy that they are releasing films giving Heath Ledger top billing when, y'know, he's dead. I wonder if they'd finished principal photography or whether they CGI'd a lot of his scenes? Anyway ... probably will not see this in the theatre, unless something changes that perception.
The White Ribbon (A river of malice runs through a German village just prior to the outbreak of World War I.) - Sounds dark and depressing. Not a theatre film (and this one's scheduled for December 30th release, so... New Year's? Still, kind of an odd choice for a New Year's time of year). Would have to see the reviews before I decide whether this is one to skip or wait for it on cable.
Case 39 (A social worker learns that there is more than meets the eye to a girl she saved from abuse.) - Not rocking this either, on the strength of its plot. Probably skip.
Daybreakers (An undead hematologist (Ethan Hawke) joins forces with humans to find a cure for vampirism.) - Okay, I LOVE the blurb. It's so ridiculous. I think it must be Netflicked. It's supposed to release on January 8, so that means it should close within about a month, probably get fast-tracked for a DVD, oh, say... April? Maybe summer?
Youth in Revolt (A teen (Michael Cera) goes on a carnal quest to lose his virginity.) - Big fat NO for this one.
Let the Right One In - Has NO INFORMATION. Clicking the link gives me a genre of "Creature Film, Horror." Skip.
The Spy Next Door - We've seen previews for this and have repeatedly said that we've probably seen all the funny bits. Sorry, Jackie, even your humour does not make up for this tragic scenario. It doesn't even look as good as "Kindergarten Cop." Pass.
However, the next film:
Hoodwinked 2: Hood vs. Evil - May just be something we have to check out. If you did not see the first "Hoodwinked," you actually missed a hilarious film. We were dubious, but honestly it was very entertaining. I don't know that we'll see this *in theatres*, but it could be a hoot.
The Book of Eli (A lone man fights his way for survival across a post-apocalyptic America.) - Wait, except that this has Gary Oldman and Denzel Washington, didn't we already see this? :Looks up. Yup, it's up there, and it's called "The Road." On the other hand, Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman! Uh. Netflick.
Legion (A group of strangers become the first line of defense against God.) - Heh. In other words, everything SPN Season 5 *should* be and currently isn't doing. Hm. All I've seen so far are a couple standees that don't tell you much. Still, it's a contender for an in-theatre film, unless reviews point otherwise.
Creation (Charles Darwin struggles between his revolutionary ideas and his wife's contradictory faith.) - Hm. Good cast (Paul Bettany, Jennifer Connelly, Jeremy Northam), and interesting topic for a biopic. Probably Netflick.
The Dread (Three college students decide to document what people dread the most.) - Stupid. Horror. Pass.
When in Rome (Magic coins bring the possibility of love to a disillusioned woman (Kristen Bell).) - Call me crazy, but this sounds like a remake of "Three Coins in a Fountain," doesn't it?
Edge of Darkness (Detective Thomas Craven discovers a government conspiracy while investigating his daughter's murder.) - Except that the detective is everyone's favourite whackjob: Mel Gibson. Meh. Cable. Netflick. Don't much care.
The Wolfman (A nobleman (Benicio Del Toro) uncovers a horrifying curse as he searches for his missing brother.) - Because you know what Valentine's Day really needs? A werewolf picture! Hey, Anthony Hopkins is in it (as Van Helsing, maybe?). Netflix for sure.
I Love You Phillip Morris (A con man (Jim Carrey) meets the love (Ewan McGregor) of his life behind bars.) - Now, just from the title, I thought this was about cigarettes. But no, it's an offbeat gay romance set in prison. WHAT? On the one hand: Ewan McGregor and teh gay. FTW. On the other: Jim Carrey. But it's set in a prison. But it could be crack. I guess it really, really depends on whether it's a step forward or two back for the movement. Not for theatre-viewing, anyway.
The Yellow Handkerchief - meh
Valentine's Day - meh
Shutter Island - (actually may be worth seeing on Netflix, but Harper's Island first)
Max's Mardi Gras - I'm guessing NO
From Paris with Love - meh
The Crazies - meh
A Couple of Dicks - yeah, NO.
Alice in Wonderland - So Definitely YES.
And it keeps going for another bunch of pages. However, we're now into March and with luck I'll be gainfully employed again, so even though movies will probably cost $15 each by then, we'll be able to afford them.
Although, just for the sake of saying it, I have to point out two more that I'll be watching for in the spring:
Season of the Witch (Two 14th-century knights (Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman) escort an accused sorceress to a remote abbey.) Hee! I'm sure it's supposed to be a drama / thriller but it just makes me grin because it's the 14th century!
and
CLASH OF THE TITANS!!!! You guys! They're remaking CLASH OF THE TITANS! Hahahahahah! How do you improve on the cheesiest cheesefest of stop-motion creature features!? CLASH OF THE TITANS, yo!
Okay. But here's the important part. Out of all those movies, there are (tots it up) three that we will want to see when they come out, and another 3-6 that we may-or-may-not see, but only two that are out before the end of the year. I'm worried about the tickets no longer being honoured if I hold on to them too long. By spring/summer, I certainly hope to be back in a more-income-than-outgo situation.
Still, that means at most 6 tickets, really, which is not too bad.
And man, not a new thought at all, but damn, there is some CRAPTASTIC movie-making out there! Wow.
I guess I don't win at public transportation protocol. Well, only a couple more weeks and then I shall menace innocent readers no more!
Anyway. One of the nicer benefits from BI are discount movie tickets for employees. There's a particular ticket that costs $7.50 and can be used for any showing, even new movies, which is about a $3 savings per ticket over the evening general admission price at our preferred theatre in Framingham. So I've been picking up tickets, and I have to say that as a result,
etakyma and I have gone to new-release movies a lot more often than in past years.Well, with my layoff coming up, we both thought it would be prudent to stock up on a few tickets in case there are films we want to see coming out in the next couple months. So I went to Fandango this morning to cruise the list of upcoming movies. One thing I should say straight off is that generally speaking our criteria for seeing a movie on the big screen is that it has to be something for which you *need* the theatre - either because you really want to see it in cinemascope or you know that you want the fab sound quality, or something of that nature - or else it has to be something that you just HAVE to see and can't wait for it to come out on DVD. Bear that in mind; it helps explain why there are some potentially good films here that will automatically go on the Netflick queue.
And here, for your discussion, is an annotated list :
The End of Poverty?
Living in Emergency
William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe - Three documentaries, which is an automatic "NO". We do not spend money for documentaries in theatres, sorry. I may wind up getting the third one on Netflix, eventually, but probably not.
Pirate Radio - Netflix, for sure, but not something for theatres.
Uncertainty (A coin flip decides the day's fate of a young couple) - Eh, if it gets good reviews, I'll Netflick it; otherwise probably pass. Interesting concept, though, so I'll watch for the NYT review.
Heer Ranjha - No clue, except that it's Indian. Skip.
Dare (Three high school seniors decide they can no longer ignore their deepest needs and decide to take the biggest risks of their lives.) - SOOOO skip. BTW, I love how the blurb makes it sound like a bad fanfic - the kind where Harry, Ron, and Hermione all spontaneously admit their trio-love.... (Although, if it really is about a menage-a-trois, that takes it up a notch on the Netflick list, but still. Angst! Woe! Lip-biting!)
Oh My God (Filmmaker Peter Rodger explores and examines the different perceptions and thoughts people have on God.) - Another documentary, so automatic NO, but again, will need to see the reviews before I decide this might actually be interesting enough for a Netflick. Probably nothing I don't already know, though, so, I'm betting Pass.
Ten9Eight (Students who are at risk of dropping out enroll in a course that teaches entrepreneurship.) - probably wait for cable, unless it's panned by the reviews. Not sure if this is a documentary or a dramatization based on a true story.
Women in Trouble (A pregnant porn star (Carla Gugino) becomes trapped in an elevator with a neurotic woman.) - This has Adrianne Palicki, gang! It could be either very good or very bad, might have to be in the right mood for it. Definitely NOT a theatre film, though. Netflick if anything. Maybe cable if it's on and, again, I'm in the right mood.
2012 - Has a lot going for it... Special Effects, John Cusack, Disaster Film. OTOH, Mayan Calendar? Probably pretty stupid. May not be worth even $7.50. But it opens this weekend, so there's time to decide. When it comes to cable, definitely.
Twilight - Sorry,
flourish, mrsbekkioRed Cliff (A massive war is waged between three kingdoms in China culminating in the battle of Red Cliff.) - Hm. Could be interesting. Foreign, which makes it difficult to Netflick (subtitles on small screen, meh), but OTOH, not really something I feel I need to rush out for. Maybe
grouchyoldcoot and I could find it in Pittsburgh. If we felt like it.Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (A drug-abusing cop (Nicolas Cage) probes the slayings of five illegal immigrants from Senegal.) - Eh. It also has Val Kilmer, but meh. Netflick, perhaps.
The Blind Side - Netflick, but only if it gets decent reviews. Maybe cable.
Mammoth (Fate changes the lives of a couple, a nanny (Marife Necesito) and a working mom.) - Oy. No, probably not even Netflick.
The Messenger (A soldier struggles with an ethical dilemma when he gets involved with a fallen comrade's widow.) - Again, probably not. Bleh. Also, Woody Harrelson, which is generally not a recommendation.
Planet 51 - No.
Twilight Saga: New Moon - See above. NO SPARKLY VAMPS.
Broken Embraces (A man lives in obscurity after the death of the love of his life and the loss of his sight.) - Blech, depressing. No.
Fantastic Mr Fox - Now, this one has intrigued us in previews at a couple movies. It could be very good, funny, and entertaining - plus the animation looks pretty slick. OTOH, we may have already seen all the best scenes. I'm going to venture to say Netflix, but I'm willing to go if we're both in the mood.
Old Dogs - This, however, no. No way. It looks painful and stupid.
The Road - I've seen a couple commercials for this and it's a possibility. I'm not convinced it's one I NEED to see big-screen, though, so my bet is Netflix.
Ninja Assassin - Sounds like a great group movie, but as that doesn't look likely (well, maybe in Pittsburgh), I'm going to say probably not. Not even Netflix; more likely I will wait until I see this on TV or something like that.
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee (A woman inches toward a nervous breakdown after she and her husband move to a retirement community.) - Good cast (Robin Wright Penn, Wynona Rider, and Julianne Moore), so it depends on the reviews. If it's funny, I'll watch for it on cable. If not, then probably skip.
Brooklyn's Finest (Three cops (Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, Ethan Hawke) fall victim to the lure of easy money.) - Definitely a film I could watch on Netflix. Probably not TNT or regular cable because I'd bet they'll cut it to ribbons.
The Breaking Point (A man has to overcome a deep conspiracy and his troubled past to gain redemption.) - This blurb tells me nothing. No, unless some new information comes out.
Everybody's Fine (A widower goes on a road trip to reconnect with each of his grown children.) - Again, good cast (Robert DeNiro, Kate Beckinsale, Drew Barrymore), but definitely not a theatre film. Probably cable.
Serious Moonlight (A troubled couple finds themselves in a dilemma when a robber attempts to steal from them.) - Yuck, no.
Armored (Armored-car officers risk their lives after planning a heist on their own company.) - Hm. Matt Dillon, Jean Reno, Laurence Fishburne. Sounds kick-ass but paper-thin on plot. Netflick or HBO.
Brothers (A man cares for his brother's family.) - Jake Gyllenhall and Tobey Maguire. Hey, do you think if they're both on-screen I'll learn to tell them apart? Or is that Tobey Maguire and Elijah Wood I can never tell apart? Oh, well, anyway: it sounds depressing, so probably won't see it anyway.
Transylmania - The cast list was so long that I had to click on the movie link to find out anything about it. Judging from the thumbnail poster it looked like a sendup of horror films, presumably with a lot of sexual humour. Guess what? "a motley group of college students embarks on the wildest, sexiest, most outrageous semester abroad ever at 'Razvan University.'" Hm. Porky's set in a castle! Uh... pass, bigtime.
The Princess and the Frog - Ordinarily I would be excited by this twist on the fairy tale, but thanks to what Disney did to this princess, who surely did nothing to hurt them, I'm going to have to skip this travesty. Sadly.
All Good Things (The lover of a New York real estate scion suddenly goes missing.) - Straight up thriller, which means Netflick or cable.
Invictus (Nelson Mandela tries to unite his countrymen following the fall of apartheid in South Africa.) - DEFINITELY a Netflick. Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela - I can't think of better casting, for one thing. Not something for the theatre, but definitely Netflick. And tissues.
The Lovely Bones (A deceased girl watches over her family from heaven as they struggle to find out her murderer.) - Not for the theatre, but I think I need to know more about this. Oh, it's Peter Jackson. And based on an Alice Sebold novel. Hm. Netflick? Maybe? See how the reviews come in.
A Single Man (A gay professor (Colin Firth) plans to commit suicide in the wake of his lover's death.) - Netflick, definitely. Unless it's really, really depressing, but we'll see.
Avatar - I'm seriously thinking this may have to be seen in the theatre. It has all the hallmarks. Plus the discussion at Comic-Con was intense - which may indicate that because it's also hella expensive, they are pushing the crap out of it to try to recoup their costs. Still. It looks awesome. And Sigourney Weaver, hello! Plus, they're blue. Even if it's crack, it ought to be a good ride.
Nine - Not "9", but "Nine", the film version of the Maury Yeston Musical. (Sidenote: The release date has been pushed back. When "9" came out, "Nine" was on tap for Thanksgiving, but now it's being released on 12/18, for Christmas.) Anyway, we're going to this. No, it has no explosions. No, it does not scream "Big Screen Mandate Movie" - but it's a MUSICAL, gang. Ergo: it wins big-screen privileges.
The Young Victoria (Teenage Victoria (Emily Blunt) meets the love of her life and becomes England's queen.) - With Avatar and Nine coming out the same week, it's unlikely we'll go see this, too. Again, it's not a typical big-screen film, though, but it has the potential to be a costume piece. Still, of the three films, this one is definitely the one that will translate to a smaller screen most easily. So, Netflix.
Did You Hear About the Morgans? (Federal agents whisk two Manhattan murder witnesses (Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker) to Wyoming.) - Oh, how awful. I don't think even Sam Elliott can save this. No, no, no.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel - Um, I think I threw up a little just having to type that.
Sherlock Holmes - NO. NO. NO. Sherlock Holmes did not kickbox. Just NO.
It's Complicated (A divorcee (Meryl Streep) is caught between her ex (Alec Baldwin) and an architect (Steve Martin).) - Which tells you all you really need to know, except for one thing: WHO in their right mind releases this kind of film at friggin' CHRISTMAS??? Yuck.
Up in the Air (A corporate downsizing expert faces an end to life on the road just as he nears a travel milestone.) - Since this is George Clooney, I'm betting it's also Stephen Soderbergh, but regardless, it's not an in-theatre kind of film. Wait for the reviews before making a decision about Netflix.
Leaves of Grass - The cast tells me nothing; clicking the link to more information tells me nothing. I immediately think of Whitman, but since the genre is listed as "Comedy Thriller" somehow I don't think it has anything to do with romantic poetry. Pass.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (An immortal carnival master must collect five souls or else lose his daughter to the devil.) - Okay, Tom Waits and Christopher Plummer = cool, though it's a little creepy that they are releasing films giving Heath Ledger top billing when, y'know, he's dead. I wonder if they'd finished principal photography or whether they CGI'd a lot of his scenes? Anyway ... probably will not see this in the theatre, unless something changes that perception.
The White Ribbon (A river of malice runs through a German village just prior to the outbreak of World War I.) - Sounds dark and depressing. Not a theatre film (and this one's scheduled for December 30th release, so... New Year's? Still, kind of an odd choice for a New Year's time of year). Would have to see the reviews before I decide whether this is one to skip or wait for it on cable.
Case 39 (A social worker learns that there is more than meets the eye to a girl she saved from abuse.) - Not rocking this either, on the strength of its plot. Probably skip.
Daybreakers (An undead hematologist (Ethan Hawke) joins forces with humans to find a cure for vampirism.) - Okay, I LOVE the blurb. It's so ridiculous. I think it must be Netflicked. It's supposed to release on January 8, so that means it should close within about a month, probably get fast-tracked for a DVD, oh, say... April? Maybe summer?
Youth in Revolt (A teen (Michael Cera) goes on a carnal quest to lose his virginity.) - Big fat NO for this one.
Let the Right One In - Has NO INFORMATION. Clicking the link gives me a genre of "Creature Film, Horror." Skip.
The Spy Next Door - We've seen previews for this and have repeatedly said that we've probably seen all the funny bits. Sorry, Jackie, even your humour does not make up for this tragic scenario. It doesn't even look as good as "Kindergarten Cop." Pass.
However, the next film:
Hoodwinked 2: Hood vs. Evil - May just be something we have to check out. If you did not see the first "Hoodwinked," you actually missed a hilarious film. We were dubious, but honestly it was very entertaining. I don't know that we'll see this *in theatres*, but it could be a hoot.
The Book of Eli (A lone man fights his way for survival across a post-apocalyptic America.) - Wait, except that this has Gary Oldman and Denzel Washington, didn't we already see this? :Looks up. Yup, it's up there, and it's called "The Road." On the other hand, Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman! Uh. Netflick.
Legion (A group of strangers become the first line of defense against God.) - Heh. In other words, everything SPN Season 5 *should* be and currently isn't doing. Hm. All I've seen so far are a couple standees that don't tell you much. Still, it's a contender for an in-theatre film, unless reviews point otherwise.
Creation (Charles Darwin struggles between his revolutionary ideas and his wife's contradictory faith.) - Hm. Good cast (Paul Bettany, Jennifer Connelly, Jeremy Northam), and interesting topic for a biopic. Probably Netflick.
The Dread (Three college students decide to document what people dread the most.) - Stupid. Horror. Pass.
When in Rome (Magic coins bring the possibility of love to a disillusioned woman (Kristen Bell).) - Call me crazy, but this sounds like a remake of "Three Coins in a Fountain," doesn't it?
Edge of Darkness (Detective Thomas Craven discovers a government conspiracy while investigating his daughter's murder.) - Except that the detective is everyone's favourite whackjob: Mel Gibson. Meh. Cable. Netflick. Don't much care.
The Wolfman (A nobleman (Benicio Del Toro) uncovers a horrifying curse as he searches for his missing brother.) - Because you know what Valentine's Day really needs? A werewolf picture! Hey, Anthony Hopkins is in it (as Van Helsing, maybe?). Netflix for sure.
I Love You Phillip Morris (A con man (Jim Carrey) meets the love (Ewan McGregor) of his life behind bars.) - Now, just from the title, I thought this was about cigarettes. But no, it's an offbeat gay romance set in prison. WHAT? On the one hand: Ewan McGregor and teh gay. FTW. On the other: Jim Carrey. But it's set in a prison. But it could be crack. I guess it really, really depends on whether it's a step forward or two back for the movement. Not for theatre-viewing, anyway.
The Yellow Handkerchief - meh
Valentine's Day - meh
Shutter Island - (actually may be worth seeing on Netflix, but Harper's Island first)
Max's Mardi Gras - I'm guessing NO
From Paris with Love - meh
The Crazies - meh
A Couple of Dicks - yeah, NO.
Alice in Wonderland - So Definitely YES.
And it keeps going for another bunch of pages. However, we're now into March and with luck I'll be gainfully employed again, so even though movies will probably cost $15 each by then, we'll be able to afford them.
Although, just for the sake of saying it, I have to point out two more that I'll be watching for in the spring:
Season of the Witch (Two 14th-century knights (Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman) escort an accused sorceress to a remote abbey.) Hee! I'm sure it's supposed to be a drama / thriller but it just makes me grin because it's the 14th century!
and
CLASH OF THE TITANS!!!! You guys! They're remaking CLASH OF THE TITANS! Hahahahahah! How do you improve on the cheesiest cheesefest of stop-motion creature features!? CLASH OF THE TITANS, yo!
Okay. But here's the important part. Out of all those movies, there are (tots it up) three that we will want to see when they come out, and another 3-6 that we may-or-may-not see, but only two that are out before the end of the year. I'm worried about the tickets no longer being honoured if I hold on to them too long. By spring/summer, I certainly hope to be back in a more-income-than-outgo situation.
Still, that means at most 6 tickets, really, which is not too bad.
And man, not a new thought at all, but damn, there is some CRAPTASTIC movie-making out there! Wow.
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I am boycotting Clash of the Titans because the original was awesome in a way that movies are awesome when you're 10 and don't know any better. Seeing it again, whether the original or in remake will just ruin it.
Avatar - definitely yes for theater-material.
Sherlock Holmes - definitely yes. Don't care if it's not cannon, martial arts plus slashy goodness = WIN
Hmm, stocking up on movie tickets from Costco sounds like a good idea now.
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Don't blame her for not wanting to see Clash now - I'm afraid that it'll show up lame like so many of the movies I've loved as a kid. But V for Vendetta? Loved that movie. Burn Notice is fun crack too, but I don't go out of my way to watch it.
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Can't recall much of CotT. Campy right? OTOH: I've never understand remaking classics. What's the point? And, unless you changed a really bad movie enough to make it a completely different movie (i.e. almost like an original idea...or as original as Hollywood gets) why make it again either?
Read the Twilight books. Not terrible. Wife bought the DVD but it's still sitting next to the DVD player waiting for me to have absolutely nothing better to do...toenails need clipping?...movie will have to wait another day...before I pop it in. However, I was amused about how the fans really loved the first 3 and then freaked about book 4 as though Bella has somehow sold out. Hee hee... They funny....
Just not enough knife fights in the Sherlock Holmes books? Have we got a movie for you!
Well, looks like I'll have to wait until the next HP or The Hobbit or maybe a South Park or Simpson's movie comes out. You know...the classics!
And, for me, the only reason to see a film in the theater is because it has awesome special effects. I can see every other one on the HD at home and be just as impressed. Waiting for it to come out on cable makes me even more impressed...since I'm already paying anyway... (Ok, babysitters, movies, and popcorn aren't cheap...but I am!)
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Re: The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Ummm, according to IMDB.com, neither.
"After the death of Heath Ledger, production was shut down for a few months. Then it was re-started when Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell agreed to complete Ledger's role. The film's fantasy premise, and some clever rewrites, let the actors play a man whose appearance changes as he travels between imaginary worlds."
Re: The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus