For A Few Movies More

Skyfall

Directed By Sam Mendes

Starring Daniel Craig, Helen McCrory and Javier Bardem

Before we dive into the trailer itself, let me give you my honest opinion on where  I believe the James Bond series is currently at. When Casino Royale first hit cinemas, it was viewed as a fresh breath of air. In what was considered a huge shakeup, for the first time we were watching a Bond film grounded heavily in reality. The gadgets were nearly completely absent, the once over the top action was now gritty and tense, and the cinematography opted for a handheld, fly on the wall perspective. And while these were all major changes, the biggest alteration to the franchise’s familiar formula came from the casting of Bond himself. Straying away from the lean, dark-haired typecast that audiences were familiar with, a blonde, buff Daniel Craig was cast as the iconic spy. An against type piece of casting that yielded remarkable results. These were all smart moves that radically shifted the landscape of the series, resulting in a film that was a standout in the stale franchise. But then Quantum Of Solace came along. I know that there are plenty of viewers out there who thoroughly enjoyed this follow-up, but personally, I felt it was a loathsome insult to the James Bond name. The villain was bland, the pacing of the story tedious, the quality of the action sequences lacklustre, but worst of all, the film was just flat-out boring. James Bond films are allowed to be silly, over the top and a little ridiculous, but they should never, ever be boring. Plus while the lack of gadgets and fun stuff was unique the first time around, their absence left Solace feeling like a poor man’s  Bourne Identity.

So where does that leave Skyfall? Truthfully, it’s kind of hard to tell at this point in time. There’s no denying that this newly released teaser looks great, but it’s easy to cram all of the money shots from a film into a minute and half while hiding any flaws. Perhaps I’m being a little to cynical here, but I just really do NOT want another Quantum Of Solace to further taint the legacy of the series. I’m still most definitely looking forward to the film, but until I see more, I’ll continue remaining a little wary. Still, fingers crossed this will be a leap in the right direction.

Anticipation Level: 3.5/5

The Amazing Spider-Man 4-Minute Super Preview

Directed By Marc Webb

Starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans

I apologize in advance here, but I’m not going to be able to provide a detailed analysis on this latest clip from the forthcoming The Amazing Spider-Man. Because to put in bluntly, I’m not watching it. A couple of weeks back I openly expressed my sincere lack of interest towards this initially unwanted reboot, however that was then and this is now. When the announcement came that a Spider-Man remake was in the works, the only question on my lips was why? Why make us sit through this origins tale again? Why restart the series again when a continuation of part 3 was a reasonable possibility? And why make the web-slingers mechanical after Raimi did such a god job with the organic angle? Admittedly, this angry tirade was the perfect example of a spoilt internet geek not getting his way, effectively transforming me into the very thing I hate. Unfortunately this in turn skewed my view of the film, leaving me bitter and indifferent when the first trailer was released.

However as more promotional material has been released over time, my view on the film is beginning to change. The air of anger clouding my vision has slowly lifted, allowing me to finally see what the film is aiming to be; a radically different cinematic take on the Spider-Man mythology. Sure the basic components are still in place, but with a clean slate, there are so many different avenues the filmmakers can take to make this re-envisioning original and fresh. And considering that any given character can have their entire backstory written at the drop of a hat in the world of comics, I’m completely fine with this alternate big screen interpretation of everybody’s favourite web-slinger. From what we’ve seen so far the film features an impressive looking villain as well as a slew of pulse pounding set pieces, so there’s little doubt in my mind that this will be the perfect superhero movie to fill that void in your life following the departure of The Avengers.

Anticipation Level: 4/5

The We And The I

Directed By Michel Gondry

Starring Joe Mele, Meghan Murphy and Alex Barrios

Director Michel Gondry has always had a way crafting visually appeasing films. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, The Science Of Sleep, The Green Hornet and even Be Kind Rewind are all littered with striking images that are hard to forget, but beyond the eye pleasing delights these films provide, it’s the warmth and sincerity his human characters exude that ensures his work takes a special place amongst many film lovers hearts. In what looks to be the director’s most grounded film yet, The We And The I seemingly strips back all of the visual flourishes to focus primarily on the human aspect. Set within the cramped confines of a school bus, The We And The I takes a magnifying glass to a group of students whose relationships evolve and crumble on the last day of school. It’s a dialled back look and feel for Gondry, but the sweet emotion you would expect from the director is still notably present at the forefront. Looks like an interesting and original little dramedy, albeit a risky one, but at least it should provide another unique viewing experience from the director.

Anticipation Level: 3/5

The Good Doctor

Directed By Lance Daly

Starring Orlando Bloom, Riley Keough and Taraji P. Henson

I’ve never really thought much of Orlando Bloom’s acting chops. He’s most certainly not a bad actor in any stretch of the imagination, it’s just that he’s never really had that standout role that leaves you floored. He was fine in Pirates Of The Caribbean and he was definitely sufficient in Lord Of The Rings, but I just can’t help but to think he’s still chasing that standout role. But after witnessing the trailer for The Good Doctor, I’m hoping that this might be the very film to give him that opportunity. Here Bloom plays Dr. Martin Blake, a troubled doctor suffering from a crisis of confidence who thinks he has found what he’s looking for in life when he meets an eighteen year old patient named Diane. Diane immediately takes a fancy to the deceptively charming doctor, but when her health begins to improve, Martin take it upon himself to ensure she stays in his life, even if that means tampering with her medicine to keep her sick. It’s an enticing scenario and one that will undoubtedly see viewers struggling to relate to such a vile protagonist. But that’s the catch, and I have to admit, I love films of this sort that force the viewer to sympathise with a villainous protagonist. Bloom looks impressive in his role here, so if all goes to planned, (incoming pun alert!) this might just be what the doctor ordered for the actor….

Anticipation Level: 3/5

The Do-Deca-Pentathlon

Directed By Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass

Starring Mark Kelly, Steve Zissis, Jennifer Lafleur

This only the fourth feature film from the Duplass in so many years, but in that short space of time they’ve certainly left an impact. Mastering the seldom visited Mumblecore genre, the brothers have already churned out a trio of warmhearted films that focus primarily on fleshed out characters and complicated relationships. With their latest film, The Do-Deca-Pentathlon, it appears the brothers have once again included both of these trademarks while working in another quirky story. Focusing on two brothers who have drifted apart, The Do-Deca-Pentathlon sees the two compete in their own private twenty-five event olympics, an epic ordeal that they created together years prior. Taking into account how much I’ve enjoyed the work of the Duplass brothers up to this point, I’m really looking forward to The Do-Deca-Pentathlon. The pair have a remarkable knack for crafting peculiar ordeals that are still engaging and easy to relate to, a desirable quality that few other films inherit. And if The Do-Deca-Pentathlon possess even half the heart that their previous films possessed, then this will no doubt be another winning venture from the pair.

Anticipation Level: 3.5/5

The Words

Directed By Brian Klugman, Lee Sternthal

Starring Bradley Cooper, Dennis Quaid and Olivia Wilde

I’m a big fan of any film that focuses on the world of literature, if only for the fact that I myself love to write. So with that in mind, it probably comes as little of a surprise that The Words has piqued my interest.  The story of a struggling writer who steals another man’s work only to achieve instant fame, The Words looks to be a layered drama littered with intriguing themes. Bradley Cooper plays the writer who commits this act of thievery, and if the trailer is anything to go by it looks like he’s set to deliver another solid performance. The trailer itself is incredibly captivating, well the first half is at least anyway. The second half quickly degenerates into a sappy looking melodrama complete with an overly sentimental score blaring over the top of it. I can only hope this isn’t a sign of what’s to come.

Anticipation Level: 3/5

Hit And Run

Directed By David Palmer, Dax Shepard

Starring Dax Shepard, Kristen Bell and Bradley Cooper

Haven’t we already seen this movie before? Resembling every other cookie cutter action/comedy that’s hit the market over the last decade, Hit and Run seems to be void of any originality or personality. Written and co-directed by Dax Shepard, Hit And Run focuses on a former getaway driver played by Dax who attempts to help transport his ex-girlfriend to LA, all the while his former gang and the Feds give chase. As you can imagine, crazy hijinks ensure, all of which look painfully unfunny. Naked old people!!??! ZOMG! Give this one a big fat pass.

Anticipation Level: 1.5/5

The Possession

Directed By Ole Bornedal

Starring Natasha Calis, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Kyra Sedgwick

Based on a true story? I’m sorry, but you’ve got to be kidding me! If you follow this site even casually, you’ll know by now that I’m B-grade horror movie aficionado. But despite my affection for subpar terror, The Possession just looks bland to me. I just complained about how Hit And Run looks like every cookie cutter action/comedy released over the last decade, well The Possession looks like every possessed creepy kid movie released over the last decade. And while I may harbour a great deal of respect for Sam Raimi, even his involvement as producer has failed to capture my interest. Looks like a DVD movie at best.

Anticipation Level: 2/5

Won’t Back Down

Directed By Daniel Barnz

Starring Viola Davis, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Holly Hunter

See this is this problem with these trailer round up articles. I love typing them up since they expose me to all of the latest trailers released from the week, however they also show my limitations as a film lover. I always try to remain open-minded no matter what the movie I’m examining is, however there are some subject matters that simply fail to interest me even in the slightest. Exhibit A: Won’t Back Down. A dramatic tear-jerker that will no doubt find a strong audience, the film details the struggle two mothers face transforming their children’s failing inner city school into a respectable den of learning. While Won’t Back Down certainly looks well made and acted, I simply can’t muster up any enthusiasm for. But hey, that’s just me.

Anticipation Level: 2/5

Hyde Park On Hudson

Directed By Roger Michell

Starring Bill Murray, Laura Linney and Olivia Williams

Still on the subject of movies I couldn’t care less about, here’s Hyde Park On Hudson. Before you choose to go forth and spew venom at me via your keyboards, let me state that Hyde Park On Hudson does indeed look like a well crafted film that features an impeccable looking performance from one Bill Murray. But ultimately, it’s just not to my taste. Set during 1939, the film centres around a love affair between Franklin D. Roosevelt and his distant cousin Margaret Stuckley that takes place during a visit from the King and Queen of the United Kingdom to upstate New York. I have little doubt that Hyde Park On Hudson will be a classy and expertly scripted production,  however given my fondness for movies jam-packed with people getting shot in the face and killer piranhas, I seriously doubt I’ll fit into the demographic it’s aimed at. I guess I’m just an uneducated brute… Still, it’s at least nice to see Murray back on the big screen in a remarkable role.

Anticipation Level: 2/5

The Magic Life

Directed By Nelson Cheng

Starring Michael Howard

I’ve always harboured a childish fascination when it comes to magic, a sense of wonderment that’s carried into my adulthood. To this day I still slow down and study the swift hands of roadside magicians as they entertain small gatherings of onlookers, and if some sort of David Copperfield special or a behind the scenes magic exposé happens to be on TV, then you can bet that I’ll be unavailable to the world of the next hour or so. This sense of childlike wonder has been expertly captured in the trailer for The Magic Life, a documentary that focuses on the lives of several aspiring magicians. However more than just an excuse to showcase some fancy illusions, the film is an emotional look at the lives of a handful of passionate individuals willing to chase their dreams, no matter what obstacles get thrown in their way. Whether the film itself can match the stirring trailer will have to be seen, however the unique subject matter and fascinating subjects seems to hint that it will.

Anticipation Level: 3/5