If you haven’t noticed, we’ve been in a drought for good movies. I’ve seen 2 decent films since the Oscars aired a looooooong time ago. Sunshine Cleaning was very good, especially for premiering in the off season. State of Play was another good one, lots of twists and turns, not too predictable, and exciting enough to keep my poor, narcoleptic father awake (a condition he only seems to suffer from in front of the TV or in a movie theatre). I may be the only person alive who actually enjoys the previews (yup all 25 minutes of them), but then again I’m in advertising so I live for this stuff. I took notes (nerdy, I realize) of the movies that perked my interest and here is the list. I’ll try to include release dates so you, too, can add them to your calendar.
500 Days of Summer (July 24)
Zooey Deschanel is one of my favorite actresses. I’ll admit she doesn’t always pick the best roles but her big eyes and brunette hair were so charming in Elf and Winter Passing. She’s quirky, and I love quirky. Plus this is a non love story that played well at Sundance. I believe we all have a little Indie in us, and this could be that Indie movie you see this year! Something about this reminds me of Woody Allen…Double plus? it may not have a happy ending, and even if it does I’ll bet it will have a real feeling to it.
Paris 36 (April 3, 2009)
French films are always intriguing. You leave the theatre feeling smart because you read during the whole movie. But this just looks like it will be a beautiful movie, even if you don’t read. Think La Vie En Rose…but about a theatre, not a person. Looks very vintage, and who doesn’t enjoy a throw back?
Sin Nombre (March 20- move it to the top of the list!)
Another foreign film, a different language and a very different plot line. Everyone who immigrates to America has a story, and sometimes two stories collide. Another Sundance favorite, it looks like this journey has a great story that needs to be told.
Is Anybody There (April 17)
My cousin saw this one at the Minneapolis Film Festival, so we’ll have to see what she thinks. I am a huge fan of Sir Michael Caine and English accents. A story about not fitting in, growing up and growing old, Caine’s character tries to reach out to a younger housemate by using his talents as a magician. I predict a sad ending, but you must lose to love and death is always a part of life.
Extract (September 4th)
Remember what I usually say about comedies and then throw it out the window. This movie is done by the same guy as Office Space (always good for a giggle), stars Kristen Wiig (the only person on SNL who makes me laugh), Ben Affleck (who is finally picking roles that allow him to not take himself so seriously) and my favorite JASON BATEMAN! oh and the dad from Juno – looks to be a lot of pot and sex humor but you know what? Sometimes you do need to laugh and these are the people I trust with my laugh potential.
Public Enemies (July 1)
I have a feeling this ones going to get over hyped, but it was filmed all around the MidWest – many places where I have lived, and in Chicago where I currently reside. Johnny Depp very rarely disappoints me and Marion Cotillard, who won for La Vie En Rose is such a stand out. oh and Christian Bale plays a good guy it seems, I love him too. (wonder if he threw any tantrums on set?) This is could be a nominee for at least art direction and cinematography if the release date doesn’t hurt it. And I love me some sepia and gangsters…not necessarily in that order
Funny People (July 31)
From the creator of Knocked Up comes a movie I might actually watch by choice. Especially since it stars Adam Sandler AND hottie Seth Rogen. I love when comic actors are able to turn the tables on their career and pick dare when it comes to choosing roles. This movies seems to house both genres, which I’m a fan of. I’m hoping for another Spanglish performance from Sandler, and I’m hoping Rogen sees this posts and gives me his number…and I hope this movie doesn’t disappoint me because I really believe it will make me happy.
My Sister’s Keeper
Even young comedic actresses are learning to break out of their shell, and Abigail Breslin is one of those smart actresses. This looks like it may be heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time which are the kind of films that are the hardest to watch and the hardest to forget. It might end up be corny and I’ll agree that it’s hard to imagine Cameron Diaz in a mother role (no offense) but I’ll give it a chance.