So another month comes to pass. We waved goodbye to the Potter series and saw some good films come out. This month has the potential to go one step further with some interesting films on the horizon.
Action/Fantasy/Thrillers Super 8(5th August)
After witnessing a mysterious train crash, a group of friends in the summer of 1979 begin noticing strange happenings going around in their small town and investigate into the creepy phenomenon. Spielberg and J.J.Abrams working together should provide a good entertaining movie. Go watch.
The month of many movies is finally upon us with a plethora of choices to keep nearly everyone happy. As usual I look at what is on offer and let you know what I think is worth watching and what should not even be touched with a bargepole. Enjoy.
Action/Fantasy/Thrillers Trust (8th July)
Part thriller, part drama Trust revolves around the dangers of the online world as a teenage girl is targeted by an online sexual predator and the knock on effects for her parents. David Schwimmer's latest foray onto the big screen after the acceptable Run Fatboy Run. In a month filled with good films, this will get pushed into relative obscurity where it shouldn't belong.
Cell 211 (15th July)
A Spanish film this one. The story of two men on different sides of a prison riot- the inmate leading the rebellion and the young guard trapped in the revolt, who poses as a prisoner in a desperate attempt to survive the ordeal. Has gained critical acclaim from Spain with a Hollywood remake already mooted for 2013.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (15th July)
Don't think much needs to be said about this. Expect a media frenzy storm as the day approaches as the saga finally comes to a close. Harry Potter and Co's final battle with Voldermort will have the cinema's packed to the rafters and even if your not a fan you will probably somehow find yourself in there with everyone else. Watch out for my Potter Marathon post next week when I try and watch all 7 movies in one sitting with some live text updates. Fun fun!
Hobo with a Shotgun (15th July) [my review]
Having already reviewed this gives my a bit more insight than usual. I will let the review (link above) do most of the talking but suffice to say this doesn't hold back on the gore and guts. Want a plot synopsis? Read the title. If this is your type of thing then it's rather enjoyable!
Captain America: The First Avenger (29th July)
After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans {no not that one UK readers}) volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America's ideals. So yet another superhero enters our midst which will no doubt in part be another advertising opportunity for The Avengers film out next year. Looks good enough to merit praise on it's own though. In terms of hero movies this year, I'm placing it below X-Men but above Thor and Green Lantern. Go watch.
Animations/Children Cars 2 (22nd July) [my review]
Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and his pal Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) head overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix. But the road to the championship becomes rocky as Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Pixar is back and despite my belief that Cars is probably the weakest of their franchises, it's still not half bad! Should be a good laugh and looks visually stunning.
Arrietty (29th July)
Think The Borrowers in anime and you have this film just about worked out. The latest product of Studio Ghibli Inc. (Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke) looks like a feast for the eyes once again. If this is your kind of thing then the cinema will be the only place to do it justice. I on the other hand will be waiting for the DVD.
Comedy Larry Crowne (1st July)
After losing his job, a middle-aged man (Tom Hanks) reinvents himself by going back to college and develops a crush for his public-speaking class teacher (Julia Roberts). Closest thing to your romcom this month. Not quite my cup of tea but you never know.
Super (8th July) [my review]
After his wife falls under the influence of a drug dealer, an everyday guy transforms himself into Crimson Bolt (Rainn Wilson), a superhero with the best intentions, though he lacks for heroic skills. Another one I have already seen (link above) and it comes highly recommended by me. A lot grittier and more real than Kick Ass could ever hope to be. You have to watch this.
Beginners (22nd July)
A young man (Ewan McGregor) is rocked by two announcements from his elderly father: that he has terminal cancer, and that he has a young male lover. Sure to be making most viewers laughing one moment and then crying the next. Any other month I might make my way to see this but there are too many other choices to keep me occupied.
Horrible Bosses (22nd July)
Three friends conspire to murder their awful bosses when they realize they are standing in the way of their happiness. Ever wished your boss would just disappear? Then this is the comedy for you. A host of A-listers in what has the potential to be one of the best comedies of the year. One near the top of the must see list for this month.
Zookeeper (29th July)
A group of zoo animals decide to break their code of silence in order to help their lovable zookeeper (Kevin James) find love. This looks like more of a low brow slapstick comedy than anything else. This one is heading for a flop. Avoid unless you want to zone out for a few hours.
Drama/Documentaries A Separation (1st July)
A couple, Nader and Simin have different ideas about living abroad. Simin wants to go to give her daughter a better life but Nader refuses to go because partly so he can care for his father who suffers from Alzheimers. However Simin is determined to get a divorce and leave the country with her daughter. Powerful drama in Iranian that just wins best foreign movie of the month from me.
As If I Am Not There (1st July)
Taken from true stories revealed during the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague on the Bosnian War of the 1990s. A schoolteacher in Sarajevo takes a job in a small country village to avoid the worst of the war. But when Serbian soldiers overrun the village, they shoot the men and keep the women as labourers (the older ones) and sex objects (the younger ones). Will fly under the radar but looks impressive. Subtitled.
Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo (1st July)
Just because this list wouldn't be complete without a strange documentary, I give you this. It looks into the cultural and historical ties underlying Japan's deep fascination with insects. Doubt I would ever go to the cinema to watch (more suited to a TV listing) but it looked strange enough to warrant a place.
The Conspirator (1st July)
Mary Surratt is the lone female charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination trial of Abraham Lincoln. As the whole nation turns against her, she is forced to rely on her reluctant lawyer to uncover the truth and save her life. Looks OK- I can see it being eclipsed by some of the other movies out this month though.
The Tree of Life (8th July)
The story centres around a family with three boys in the 1950s. The eldest son witnesses the loss of innocence. If it hits the right notes and doesn't come across as too pretentious then I'll bet it will be a forerunner to nick a couple of Oscars. Could go either way so I'm going to sit on the fence until I've seen it.
Horror The Violent Kind (22nd July)
Yet again we have a month short on horror films. Tagged as 'From the producers of Halloween and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (the crappy remakes not the originals) it follows a night at a secluded farmhouse with a small group of hardened young bikers and their girlfriends. They become tormented when one of the girls is savagely possessed and a gang of "Rockabillies" seemingly from the 1950's descends upon them to collect what is growing inside her. Yeh one to avoid.
And due to the volume of enticing films out this month, I've been left with the best of the rest that I did not have time to preview but which still seem interesting so have a look yourself if you have a few spare moments:
Holy Rollers (8th July) : Jews and drugs. Jesse Eisenberg. Crime/Drama. A Better Life (29th July) : Mexican gardener seeks better life for son. Drama. Poetry (29th July) : Ageing woman undergoing Alzheimers finds poetry. S Korean. Drama.
Done. Seems like movie goers will be a few pennies poorer come the end of this month if they all live up to expectations. Anyway back to the reviews. Next up from me is Bridesmaids. [my review] As always, check out the trailer below.
Farm
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So we are well and truly into the Summer blockbuster months now and yet June delivers only a few noteworthy options.
As always, this post looks at what you should be heading out to see and what should probably be missed in your search of something to watch at the cinema.
Action/Fantasy/Thrillers X-Men: First Class (1st June) [my review]
A look back to the origin of Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr aka Magneto as they set up their school and later a team for humans with superhuman abilities. Yet another addition to the X-Men series (number 5 I make it) which will entertain but not blow you away. Pushing the limits of the series now but will drag the money in at the box-office none the less.
Green Lantern (17th June) [my review]
After the relative success of Thor, another brand new (in recent cinema) superhero for us to get to grips with. DC Comics the supplier of the content for this one as we see Ryan Reynolds as a test pilot given a magical green ring and tasked with protecting the universe from evil. Will do as well as Thor as all first time hero movies do.
Transformers: Dark Of The Moon (29th June) [my review]
Number 3 and no Megan Fox, hmm! The Autobots learn of a Cybertronian spacecraft that's hidden on the Moon and race against the Decepticons to reach it to learn its secret. This will quite probably be the highest grossing movie of the month (and up there for the summer) but that doesn't mean it is going to be the best. My wait for a good sequel will continue long after this has been released. Go and see it if you like CGI but don't expect any depth.
Animations/Children Kung Fu Panda 2 (10th June) [my review]
The return of the ass-kicking panda Po and chums as they seek to protect their homes and way of life from a new and more deadly threat. If the success of the first is anything to go by then we are on for another winner. I don't think it will be quite as good as the first though and so suffers the usual sequel fate.
Comedy Prom (3rd June)
The first of several very bad looking 'comedies'out this month is Prom which follows a group of teenagers as they prepare for their prom. Can't think of any reason to watch this even when it makes its way onto the TV. Avoid.
Jumping the Broom (10th June)
The next is this monstrosity where two very different families, one from a posh background and one from a poorer background converge for a wedding between the families. Cheap shots at the class divide seems to be the only attempt at comedy for a couple of hours. Run a mile.
Swinging with the Finkels (17th June)
Another week, another poor looking comedy. A couple whose marriage is off the boil decide to take up swinging with another couple. Granted this does not look quite as bad as the previous twobut will still leave lots to be desired, like laughter for example. Suppose this can be classed as the nearest thing to a romcom this month.
Bad Teacher (24th June) [my review]
Nearing the realm of reasonable comedies now as Cameron Diaz plays a foul mouthed school teacherwho is on the lookout for a new man in her life (enter Timberlake). In order to win him over she hatches a plan that brings her in direct competition with her colleagues. It's not going to win anything but should at the very least give a couple of laughs. O and there's a Diaz car wash scene to win over the male vote.
Bridesmaids (24th June) [my review]
Probably can be considered to be the female version of The Hangover, Bridesmaids follows Annie in her role as bride of honour as she helps to organise her best friend's wedding and bring the bride's oddball friends together. Pick of the month as far as comedies go and should be worth a watch.
Drama/Documentaries Senna (3rd June)
Although not a die-hard fan of Formula 1, the story of Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna looks more than intriguing. Senna is a documentary about the man who won the F1 world championship three times before his untimely death at age 34. Definitely keep your eye out for this one.
Screwed (3rd June)
A true British film in every sense of the word. Screwed is a semi-biographical story based on the experiences of former prison guard Ronnie Thompson who spent seven years working in some of the UK's most dangerous prisons contending with violence, drugs and corrupt guards. Save yourself for when it comes on the telebox.
Honey 2 (10th June)
Recently released from juvenile detention, talented dancer Maria Ramirez finds an outlet for her passion with a new dance crew. I have to say that I have not had the 'privilege' of watching the original and for similar reasons I will have trouble finding the will to watch this one as well. Will be fighting it out with Prom for the worst film of the month.
The Beaver (17th June) Mel Gibson is a troubled husband and executive who adopts a beaver hand-puppet as his sole means of communicating to get through a bout of depression. Not really sure what to make of this one. I don't think it will do well in the cinemas but I reckon it will be a solid movie and worth the time.
Soul Surfer (17th June)
The true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton who as a 13 year old teenager lost her an arm in a shark attack. Based on the book she then wrote, this tell her story as she summons the courage to go back into the ocean and compete on a surfboard once again. Fantastic story that will appeal to a few but is unlikely to be any better than average.
Incendies (24th June)
The only foreign film on the list this month but also the most promising. After the death of their mother, both son and daughter gather for the reading of the will where they are told to take 2 envelopes and give them to their father and other brother. However, they believe their father to be dead and know not of another sibling. Both a drama and a mystery, it's sure to get you thinking. If your going to watch one film this month, make it this one.
The First Grader (24th June)
The true story of an 84 year-old Kenyan villager and ex Mau Mau freedom fighter who fought for his right to go to school for the first time to get the education he could never afford. Should be a moving story of a man going against adversity and emerging from the other side. I am looking forward to watching this one.
Horror Stake Land (17th June) [my review]
The only horror of note for this month is Stake Land which combines The Road, a generic vampire movie and a zombie movie all into one. Martin teams up with a rogue vampire hunter as they make their way across the apocalyptic wastelands of America to potential safety in Canada. It seems the vampires are a cross between vampire and zombie so I will be intrigued to see how that works. Probably not worth a trip to the cinema unless your a fan of the genre.
So there it is. The start of the month is quite slow moving with not a lot of promise but this picks up towards the end with a couple of rough diamonds. Next month is the month for blockbuster hits lining up ready to be watched. Next up is The Hangover Part II. [my review]
Farm
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Summer is heading our way and that can only mean one thing... lots of Summer blockbusters to look forward to with May officially being the start of the blockbuster season in my books. So are there any noteworthy blockbusters in the month of May or will we have to wait for June and July to come along before the real movies hit the screens?
Just quickly before I get into May, I have to briefly mention Apollo 18 which at the time of me writing was due for release at the end of April and hence included in my Previewed: April's Releases article. This has now been shifted to the end of 2011/start of 2012 depending on where you read so apologies as anyone wanting to see that will have to hold out for an extra few months now.
Action/Fantasy/Thrillers 13 Assassins (6th May) [my review]
When a tyrannical lord goes one step too far, a group of 13 assassins are called together for a mission from which they are unlikely to return as they take on the might of his army. Spoken in Japanese but expect lots of blood and guts to do the talking instead with no doubt a couple of well choreographed samurai fights included. Will give me my gore requirement for the month.
Hanna (6th May) [my review]
A 16-year-old girl who was raised and trained by her father to be the perfect assassin instead of having a childhood is dispatched on a mission across Europe. Tracked by a ruthless intelligence agent and their operatives can she complete her mission and experience the world as she never has before? Action and mystery thrown together in a plot that takes a twist on the conventional one man against the rest scenario. Shows promise.
Priest (6th May) [my review]
A priest disobeys church law in order to track down the vampires who kidnapped his niece. Gauging from the trailer I think this might be another bog standard vampire movie. Partly to do with Paul Bettany inclusion but it looks like another Legion which will not amount to much at the cinemas. My verdict is to give it a miss.
Blitz (20th May)
When a serial killer starts targeting police officers to kill the force brings in tough cop Statham to get to the bottom of it and make the arrest. Whenever Statham is involved you know you are heading for an entertaining 90 minutes. Action, some comedy and an interesting plot will lead to this becoming the next Crank/Transporter at the very least.
Animations/Children Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (18th May) [my review]
It's a Disney movie, that's why it's in the children section! Jack Sparrow and Barbossa return to embark on a quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blackbeard and his daughter are after it too. Despite the series growing weaker the more they released I hold out hope that this will bring it back to its original best. A rejigging of the cast with Bloom and Knightley out and Cruz and McShane in should help facilitate this change.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (27th May)
Back in middle school after summer vacation, Greg Heffley and his older brother Rodrick must deal with their parents' misguided attempts to have them bond. Sequel to Diary Of A Wimpy Kid that will no doubt get the kids laughing and probably a couple of smirks from the parents but nothing more.
Comedy Something Borrowed (6th May) [my review]
Friendships are tested and secrets come to the surface when terminally single Rachel falls for Dex, her best friend Darcy's fiancé. Extreme romcom alert for all those who are interested. I am not.
Attack the Block (13th May)
This comedy is about a teen gang in South London defending their block from an alien invasion. Graphics look piss poor but the script might make up for that. A stupid comedy combining aliens with London gangstaaaas and the chance to see Nick Frost after being surgically removed from Simon Pegg's side! Worth a trip to the cinema if your in the mood.
Take Me Home Tonight (13th May)
Follow an aimless college grad who pursues his dream girl at a wild Labor Day weekend party. He, his twin sister and their best friend struggle with their burgeoning adulthood over the course of the night.Adults reverting to their teenage states and consuming excessive alcohol in what is likely to be the poor man's Hangover Part II.
Win Win (20th May)
A disheartened attorney who moonlights as a high school wrestling coach, stumbles across a star athlete through some questionable business dealings while trying to support his family. Just as it looks like he will get a double payday, the boy's mother shows up fresh from rehab and flat broke, threatening to derail everything. Doesn't sound like much but it looks like it has struck the right balance of comedy and drama to make a powerful movie experience. I'm looking forward to this one.
The Hangover Part II (26th May) [my review]
I'm rubbing my hands together in anticipation for this one as you should be too. Phil, Stu, and Alan travel to Bangkok for Stu's wedding only to find themselves in another post-blackout misadventure. Might be a bit of a challenge to keep it as fresh as the original and hit the high hopes that I have for it but my fingers are crossed... summer blockbuster time!!!
Drama/Documentaries The Tree of Life (4th May) [Changed TBA]
The story centres around a family with three boys in the 1950s. The eldest son witnesses the loss of innocence. If it hits the right notes and doesn't come across as too pretentious then I'll bet it will be a forerunner to nick a couple of Oscars. Could go either way so I'm going to sit on the fence until I've seen it.
Water for Elephants (4th May)
A veterinary student (Pattinson) abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a travelling circus as their vet, where he meets animal trainer August (Waltz) and his wife Marlena (Witherspoon). Not my cup of tea so I'm going to say wait for the DVD but might interest some.
The Way (13th May)
An American father heads to France to recover the body of his estranged son who died while travelling "El camino de Santiago" from France to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. A touching drama with some comedy thrown in and also a father-son partnership on-screen as well as off from Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez. Most likely slip under the radar but I think it will be worth a watch.
The Messenger (27th May) [Changed 17th June]
An American soldier who is tasked with delivering the news to the next of kin of their relatives deaths struggles with an ethical dilemma when he becomes involved with a widow of a fallen officer. A moving drama that will have all the more effect if you know of anyone who lost their life fighting for their country. In any other month this would be up there but there's a lot of good movies vying for top spot.
Horror Insidious (29th April) [my review]
Like Apollo 18, its release was shifted (forward one week in this case) so despite being released in April, it has snuck into the May releases. A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further. Children in a horror- that's enough to freak me out, how about you?
Julia's Eyes (20th May)
The story of a woman who is slowly losing her sight whilst trying to investigate the mysterious death of her twin sister. Produced by Guillermo del Toro much in the same way that I think James Cameron had a hand in Sanctum (ie not a lot). Should be a reasonable shout if your not up to much else though. In Spanish.
Next time I look at Hanna [my review] released on the 6th May to see whether it's living up to the hype. Trailer below...
Farm
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I felt that as I'm writing a blog about movies that it wouldn't hurt to look at what the next month has to offer. This is the first of the monthly posts 'Previewed: Next Months Releases' which will be dedicated to pointing you in the right direction for those must sees and steering you away from those must nots.
Alright then we have a real mix of movies trying to make us part with our money this month but which are going to be the blockbusters and which will be the box office flops?
Action/Fantasy/Thrillers Sucker Punch (1st April) [my review]
Bit of a strange one this as a girl retreats to an alternate reality to cope with the mental facility she has been placed in. Looks like its going to be high on the graphics front but low on acting quality.
Source Code (1st April) [my review]
A soldier who wakes up on a train to relive 8 minutes in someone else's body in order to try and find the bomber of said train. This looks like one to go and see if you have some time to spare and will tick most boxes on the entertainment front.
Fast Five (21st April) [my review]
The next one in The Fast And The Furious franchise with Vin Diesel returning for more of the same. Expect lots of car chases with stunts and not a lot else.
Thor (27st April) [my review]
After being cast out of Asgard, Thor is left to roam the world with mortals and defend them from whatever evil is thrown his way. One to wait to come out on TV I think.
I Saw the Devil (29th April) [my review]
Foriegn one this. After losing his wife to a serial killer a detective goes on the hunt in order to avenge her death. Looks like its going to be strong on the gore and one to go and watch if you can cope with subtitled movies.
Animations/Children Hop (1st April) [my review]
The son of the Easter bunny does not want to follow in his father's footsteps and would much rather see what the world has to offer. Will go down well with the kids no doubt but just using Easter as a way to sell a movie is a bit weak. Made by the guys and gals behind Despicable Me and looks like there are some similarities with the yellow minions and the chick minions.
Mars Needs Moms (8th April)
Milo has his mom kidnapped by Martians because they need moms too. Graphics look terrible, storyline looks even worse. In for a shot at worst movie of the year.
Rio (8st April) [my review]
Rio a domesticated macaw gets taken to Rio de Janero where he meets another macaw and adventures ensue. Brought to you by the people behind Ice Age I think this will fare the best out of all the animations on show this month.
Comedy Your Highness (13th April) [my review]
When Prince Fabious's bride is kidnapped, he goes on a quest to rescue her... accompanied by his lazy useless brother Thadeous. Heading down the lude, rude and boisterous humour route this one. Looks like it's going to be a good laugh.
Arthur (22nd April) [my review]
A drunken playboy stands to lose a wealthy inheritance when he falls for a woman his family doesn't like. Remake of the 1981 movie of the same name with Russel Brand taking the lead. Nearest romcom release for this month.
Cedar Rapids (29th April)
Tim Lippe has no idea what he's in for when he's sent to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to represent his company at an annual insurance convention, where he soon finds himself under the "guidance" of three convention veterans. Generic comedy that will get a few laughs but nothing more.
Drama/Documentaries Oranges and Sunshine (1st April)
Based on a true story, Margaret Humphreys a social worker, uncovered one of the most significant social scandals in recent times: the forced migration of 130,000 children from the United Kingdom to Australia and other commonwealth countries. This describes her plight to reunite the families that were torn apart. One to watch if drama is your cup of tea.
Beastly (22nd April)
A modern day Beauty and the Beast where a New York teen is transformed into a hideous monster in order to find true love. Probably not going to amount to much and not really worth a look in.
Horror The Roommate (8th April)
College student Sara finds that her new roommate Rebecca has an obsession with her, which quickly turns violent. Probably give a couple of scares but looks a bit budget to be honest.
Red Riding Hood (15th April) [my review]
Another modern take on an old tale set in a medieval village haunted by a werewolf, where a young girl falls for an orphaned woodcutter, much to her family's displeasure. Don't think horror movies are heading in the right direction and this is not going break the mold.
Scream 4 (15th April)
Ten years have passed and Sidney Prescott, who has put herself back together thanks in part to her writing, is visited by the Ghostface Killer. Another franchise that won't die off and I can't really understand how this is going to differ from anyother of the Scream movies.
Apollo 18 (22nd April) [Changed TBA]
Set around the real mission to space in the 1970s and why it was cancelled by NASA. Looks like it could lead to a bit of an emotional rollercoaster and this is my pick of the horror movies.
