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Summer Movie Preview:
It’s ba-aack…
Little Man
Release Date: July 5
Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans (Scary Movie 2, White Chicks)
Starring: Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kerry Washington, Tracy Morgan, Chazz Palminteri, Molly Shannon
Plot: Now here's a good one – a young man (Shawn Wayans) is so desperate to become a father that he mistakes a youthful and tiny crook (Marlon Wayans) for his adopted baby. There is too much suspension of belief required for this one – and this includes believing that a young man would jump for joy about being a father.
Outtakes: The studio magic happened post-production when Marlon Wayan's face was superimposed on the body of a little person with the aid of a digital camera and green screen. It's not Star Wars, but it's still a satisfactory try.
Worth the Admission: Never.
Official Website: www.littleman-movie.comPirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Release Date: July 7, 2006
Director: Gore Verbinski (The Ring, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, The Weather Man)
Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Stellan Skarsgård, Bill Nighy
Plot: Renegade pirate Jack Sparrow (Depp) is back in this new adventure when his deadbeat ass owes an unpaid debt to the undead Davy Jones (Nighy), and must now pay with his soul. In other news, Will Turner (Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Knightley) have traded in their sea-faring ways for a life of wedded bliss, but are interrupted when they must come to Captain Jack's aid.
Outtakes: Keith Richards was supposed to make a cameo as Jack Sparrow's father, but pulled out due to prior commitments. Unsurprisingly, Depp has mentioned that he based his performance of unstable Sparrow on Richards.
Worth the Admission: I’ll admit that when the first film was released in 2003, I was skeptical, especially when I learned that this was a Disney production based on one of its theme park attractions – it’s like watching a film about giant teacups or something. But when I eventually saw it, I was pleasantly surprised. Depp put in a fun, lively performance that made the film. Similarly, Bloom and Knightley placed their English sensibilities aside and dove into their roles (looking very pretty all the while). So, I’ll eat my words now and see you at the theatre later.
Official Website: adisney.go.com/disneypictures/pirates/index.htmlPulse
Release Date: July 14
Director: Jim Sonzero (War of the Angels)
Starring: Kristen Bell, Jonathan Tucker, Ian Somerhalder, Christina Milian, Ron Rifkin, Rick Gonzalez
Plot: Pulse is a film about pretty people running for their lives, but it’s also a social commentary on the way that we run our lives. The film suggests that technology is becoming so epidemic in our everyday world that it can start to infringe on our very essence, eventually rendering us into nothing more than creepy ghosts stuck in a soulless netherworld (and if you’ve ever watched your boyfriend play with his Xbox, you’ll know the feeling). After a string of suicides that seem connected to use of the Internet, a group of college students, led by Mattie (Bell), must race against time before they become infected themselves.
Outtakes: This film is based on the critically acclaimed but little-seen Japanese thriller Kairo (2000).
Worth the Admission: Pulse’s trailer looks like it’s straight from the school of Teen Horror Remakes 101, where it resides next to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and House of Wax. But while the Hollywood trailer version of Pulse might be intentionally misleading, as Kairo is more about mood and suspense and less about pretty teens being offed in gruesome fashions, it’s the whole package that will win viewers over; if Pulse is able to faithfully follow Kairo, the film – albeit confusing and rather vague in its symbolism at times – will succeed in enthralling viewers. But if it goes for cheap tricks and slick contemptible shortcuts, it might end up leaving a sour taste in your mouth. Because I love her, watch for Bell to put in a strong performance, and for ex-“Lost” star Somerhalder to provide you with all the eye titillation you need.
Official Website: www.pulsethemovie.netYou, Me and Dupree
Release Date: July 14
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo ("Arrested Development," "What About Brian")
Starring: Owen Wilson, Kate Hudson, Matt Dillon, Seth Rogen, Amanda Detmer, Michael Douglas
Plot: For once, Matt Dillon plays straight man in this comedy about an adult bachelor, the titular Randy Dupree (Wilson), who just can't seem to grow up. When Randy's best friend, Carl Peterson (Dillon), starts the newlywed life with Molly (Hudson), down-on-his-luck Randy is invited to crash on the couch. As time goes by, Randy becomes a regular fixture and is loved by everyone, much to Carl's chagrin. Will Carl be able to handle married life, new responsibilities, and an immature, freeloading best friend? If Randy's anything like Kevin Federline, the answer should be obvious.
Outtakes: Wilson's star is rising – the actor reportedly banked $3 million for his turn as a Navy navigator in Behind Enemy Lines (2001); three years later, Owen commanded a cool $10 million for Starsky and Hutch (2004).
Worth the Admission: I will follow Owen Wilson to the ends of the Earth, but sometimes, and especially with iffy comedies, even I have to stop at the edge and pause. Wilson can be funny with the right material. Otherwise, it’s just…Starsky and Hutch. Nevertheless, this flick should make a good diversion from the CGI-ed blockbusters of the summer.
Official Website: www.youmeanddupree.com
Clerks II
Clerks II: Some things never, ever change.
Release Date: July 21
Director: Kevin Smith (Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Jersey Girl)
Starring: Brian O'Halleron, Jeff Anderson, Rosario Dawson, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith
Plot: Dante (O'Halloran), Randal (Anderson), Jay (Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith) are back in this long-awaited sequel to the indie hit Clerks. This time around, the boys are rounding thirty and must juggle their listless fun with the impending doom of responsibilities, careers, and other boring adult stuff. This comes to a head when Randal starts showing signs of breaking away from the group to pursue marriage and a nine-to-five, which sets perpetual slacker Dante off.
Outtakes: Smith's wife, Jennifer Schwalbach Smith, makes another appearance in this film after starring in Smith's Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Jersey Girl. The two met during an interview for USA Today, where Schwalbach Smith was a journalist.
Worth the Admission: Smith is revisiting his roots, and seeing what he can do now with a couple of movies (and big names attached) under his belt should be interesting. Smith films tend to have key memorable moments, but as a whole can be quite forgettable – so let’s hope he can learn from past gaffes and rock this one.
Official Website: www.clerks2.comLady in the Water
Release Date: July 21
Director: M. Night Shyamalan (Signs, The Village)
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jeffrey Wright, Bob Balaban
Plot: Cleveland Heep (Giamatti) is an unassuming building manager at The Cove apartment complex. He leads a terribly average life, but like with all people who lead average lives in films, this is about to change. The chain of eventual transformations begins when he rescues a young nymph-like woman (Howard), Story, who is living in the building’s swimming pool. This brave and selfless move catapults Cleveland into a magical world as he discovers that Story is really a narf, a mythical creature from a bedtime story, and she's trying to get home. Together with the tenants of the building, Cleveland works to protect her from the mysterious creatures that threaten her life.
Outtakes: Written by M. Night Shyamalan, the story derives from a bedtime story he used to tell his children.
Worth the Admission: As with all Shyamalan movies, only the first half will be worth the cash. The ending, as we’ve come to expect, can be completely made up in your head and it will still make more sense than what Shyamalan usually dreams up. On the flip side, a reprieve from the usual (super hero/alien/monster) thriller might freshen Shyamalan’s palate, even if, admittedly, it’s just a lark into a fantasy thriller. At least it’s nice to see Giamatti back in the lead actor’s seat without a wine glass in his hand.
Official Website: ladyinthewater.warnerbros.comMonster House
Release Date: July 21
Director: Gil Kenan (Debut)
Starring: Steve Buscemi, Nick Cannon, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kevin James, Jason Lee, Catherine O'Hara, Kathleen Turner, Fred Willard, Jon Heder
Plot: Three teens (Mitchel Musso, Sam Lerner and Spencer Locke) discover that a local neighbourhood house is eeeevil.
Outtakes: Big names are attached to this project – Robert Zemeckis and Steven Spielberg are both executive producers. Effects are by Sony Pictures Imageworks.
Worth the Admission: The trailer is adorable, and there are a few chuckles in there. The preliminary word is that kids will love this movie. The non-kids might appreciate the aesthetics of the special effects, but there isn’t much in story or script that will keep the attention for a very long time.
Official Website: www.monsterhouse-movie.comMy Super Ex-Girlfriend
Release Date: July 21
Director: Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters, Twins, Six Days, Seven Nights)
Starring: Uma Thurman, Luke Wilson, Anna Faris, Eddie Izzard, Rainn Wilson, Wanda Sykes
Plot: Jenny Johnson (Thurman) seems like a sweet, normal girl, and that's what Matt Saunders (Wilson) falls for. Unfortunately, Jenny's more needy than not, and this prompts Matt to break up with her. As movies have taught us, a woman scorned can be scary, but when she's a secret super-hero like Jenny, it can be downright dangerous. As G-Girl, Jenny unleashes her super-hero powers and proceeds to make Matt's life a living hell, especially when he starts to crush on a co-worker (Faris).
Outtakes: Scriptwriter Don Payne has also written for “The Simpsons.”
Worth the Admission: As soon as I heard the premise of this film, I was looking forward to spending an afternoon in the theatre laughing it up. But then again, I’m always wrong about these things. Both Wilsons can definitely pull off the humour. Luke is much more subdued and understated than your average box office comedy star, but his deliveries and facial ticks are always on; likewise, Rainn is awesome on “The Office” and was born to play the perpetually kooky sidekick. Faris just cracks me up all the time, and Uma is Uma. So what can go wrong? Many things, like tiresome gags and endless jokes about psycho exes. But I have faith in Reitman – after all, he did turn four geeky, bumbling men into unlikely ghost-busting heroes.
Official Website: www.mysuperex.comLittle Miss Sunshine
Release Date: July 26
Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris ("Straight Up," Paula Abdul music video, "Say It Ain't So," Weezer music video)
Starring: Alan Arkin, Abigail Breslin, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear
Plot: The Hoovers are like any typical real family, meaning they've got issues and are a little dysfunctional. When little Olive (Breslin) has dreams of competing in the “Little Miss Sunshine” pageant, the family bands together and drives cross-country in a broken-down VW bus to get her there.
Outtakes: This small whimsical film premiered at The Sundance Film Festival and was snatched up by Fox Searchlight for $10.5 million. And if everyone looks a little young here, it's because the movie took five years to complete.
Worth the Admission: Yes. And I say this knowing that I’m biased and can watch Carell eating a ham and cheese sandwich and I’ll still think he’s charmingly funny. This is the movie that RV wishes it were.
Official Website: www2.foxsearchlight.com/littlemisssunshine
Barnyard
Barnyard: It ain't a party until the cows...break out of the barn.
Release Date: July 28
Director: Steve Oedekerk (Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Nothing to Lose)
Starring: Kevin James, Courteney Cox, Sam Elliott, Danny Glover, Andie MacDowell, Wanda Sykes
Plot: Apparently, when the farmer's away, the livestock will play. In this CGI-rendered film, the animals sing and dance and sometimes have casino night, unbeknownst to humans who tend to them. And the number one offender is cow Otis (James), who just wants to have fun against his strict father's (Elliott) wishes, and has a jolly good time with the likes of Etta the hen (MacDowell), Bessy the cow (Sykes), and Miles the mule (Glover). But when things go wrong, will carefree Otis find the voice within and gather the courage to be a leader?
Outtakes: Director Steve Oedekerk was a staff writer on the 90's sketch comedy show, "In Living Color."
Worth the Admission: The trailer for Barnyard has many cute moments – who wouldn’t love to see an animal casino? – but the story thus far doesn’t sound very compelling or original. Great movie for kids, but save this one for the rentals or Netflix.
Official Website: www.barnyardmovie.comJohn Tucker Must Die
Release Date: July 28
Director: Betty Thomas (28 Days Later, I Spy)
Starring: Jesse Metcalfe, Brittany Snow, Ashanti Douglas, Sophia Bush, Arielle Kebbel, Jenny McCarthy
Plot: Three girls from different circles (Douglas, Bush, Kebbel) discover that town philanderer and titular John Tucker (Metcalfe) has been seeing them at the same time. When the new girl, Kate (Snow), arrives in town, they hatch a devious plan for revenge by setting John up for heartbreak.
Outtakes: Although Ashanti "the princess of R&B or whatever they call her nowadays" Douglas is better known for her music, she has already appeared in a string of television shows and movies, such as "American Dreams," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," and Coach Carter. She'll be appearing next in Resident Evil: Extinction, due out next year.
Worth the Admission: This is a huge jump from 28 Days Later, but considering that Thomas has also directed the saccharine Dr. Doolittle and the espionage comedy I Spy, this film doesn’t seem like a big divergence in directorial style after all. The horribly named John Tucker Must Die appears to be a throwaway teen comedy à la Waiting… and Just Friends (which, coincidentally, both star Anna Faris), so it’s up to the cast to bring a fresh slant on the teen comedy formula. With a list of modest household names, who have been touch-and-go in previous projects, the draw is tiny indeed. At this point, my standards have lowered so much that I’d take someone like semi-talented Amanda Bynes to lend some credibility to the project. And it’s a sad day when Jenny McCarthy is playing someone’s mother.
Official Website: www.myspace.com/johntuckerMiami Vice
Release Date: July 28
Director: Michael Mann (Ali, Collateral)
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Colin Farrell, Gong Li, Naomie Harris, Justin Theroux
Plot: Ricardo Tubbs (Foxx) and Sonny Crockett (Farrell) are badass undercover cops working for the Vice. Ricardo is investigating three murders while under the guise of a drug trafficker, while Sonny works over a notorious Florida supplier. Lines start to blur when their undercover mission turns from case to personal (as if you’d expect anything different at this point), and things quickly escalate for Ricardo, who fears attacks on his loved ones, and Sonny, who falls in love with Isabella (Li), the wife of an arms and drugs trafficker. Will they be able to beat the bad guys, or will the ultimately succumb to the allure of the lifestyle they're fighting?
Outtakes: Farrell reportedly entered rehab after the film was completed. The causes cited included exhaustion and addiction to prescription painkillers. His stint in rehab prevented him from doing publicity for his then-newly released film, The New World.
Worth the Admission: Is Jamie Foxx hot anymore? Was Colin Farrell ever hot? We won’t get the answer to these questions in Miami Vice, but we do know that this is far from the cheesy 1980’s television show we’ve come to enjoy in re-runs on late night cable. Mann adds a dark twist to the film, creating a decidedly disheartening mood to Ricardo and Sonny’s trials and tribulations, and the trailer has passed on the funky, synthesized television show theme song in exchange for the ominous “Numb/Encore.” Like any big film adaptations of long-running television shows, Miami Vice could very well suffer under the weight of its own legacy, but if the trailers and early buzz are any indication, this one is worth checking out. As far as story goes, I could have done without the contrived love triangle between Farrell, Li, and her drug dealin’ husband. If there’s a lesson to be learned here, it’s that promiscuous hot wives/girlfriends of drug lords and mobsters always make the ideal love interest.
Official Website: www.miamivice.comA Scanner Darkly
Release Date: July 28
Director: Richard Linklater (The School of Rock, Before Sunset)
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Robert Downey, Woody Harrelson, Rory Cochrane
Plot: Bob Arctor (Reeves) is also Agent Fred, sent out by authorities to infiltrate a group of abusers and dealers of futuristic Substance D (a.k.a. Death), a narcotic that, when induced, has the power to split the brain into its two hemispheres. As he spirals deep into addiction, Agent Fred becomes split into two personas: Bob, the drug lovin’ hippie who lusts after his supplier, Donna (Ryder), and Fred, the man of the law. Unable to combine the two hemispheres and the information they each hold, Agent Fred unknowingly starts spying on himself.
Outtakes: Based on a novel by Philip K. Dick, who in turn based it on personal accounts of substance abuse.
Worth the Admission: Yes, especially if you are a big fan of Linklater. Even if you’re going in without any cognition of previous works, prepare to be blown away by the visceral and aesthetic impact of the film. As Keanu Reeves said back in 1989, “Excellent!”
Official Website: wip.warnerbros.com/ascannerdarkly/
[ From World Trade Centre to Snakes on a Plane. Part III of the preview. ]