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Summer Movie Preview:
July's jewels...
Like Mike
AHEM...
Release Date: July 3
Director: John Schultz (Drive Me Crazy)
Cast: Lil' Bow Wow, Morris Chestnut, Robert Forster, Crispin Glover, Eugene Levy, Jonathan Lipnicki
Premise: Bow Wow stars as Calvin Cambridge, an eleven-year-old orphan with dreams of being in a good family and a chance to play for the NBA. He buys a pair of old Nike sneakers that were once worn by Michael Jordan. The magical shoes give Calvin extraordinary baller skills, and soon he is drafted to the fictional NBA team, the Knights.
Notes: Basketball players appearing as themselves include Allen Iverson, Karl Malone, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo, Kevin Garnett, Jason Kidd, Tracy McGrady, Gary Payton, and Rasheed Wallace. Bow Wow is actually fifteen now, but his tiny stature (5'2") allowed him to play a younger role. The title comes from a series of Gatorade commercials shot in the early 90's.
Christine's Take: Please do not give Lil' Bow Wow more money than he already has. Someone has got to stop this kid before he takes over the world. Seriously, no more money for Lil' Bow Wow, at least not until he turns eighteen.
Post-Release Verdict: Bow Wow is now 5'7". And I think he got Punk'd once. Oh, and this film should not be seen. See DVD details here.Men in Black 2
Release Date: July 3
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld (Men in Black, Wild Wild West, The Addams Family)
Cast: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Rosario Dawson, Lara Flynn Boyle, Patrick Warburton, Michael Jackson, Johnny Knoxville
Premise: Agent Jay (Smith) and Agent Kay (Jones) are back to kick some alien ass. Kay is de-"neuralized" and recruited back into the agency by Jay. This installment involves some intergalactic war and Serleena (Boyle), a very skinny Victoria's Secret Model/Super Alien.
Notes: This is, of course, the sequel to the 1997 blockbuster, which itself was based on a Marvel comic. Smith signed a back-end deal on this one, which could earn him upwards of $40 million - not bad, considering he only earned $5 million for the original. Famke Janssen was in talks to play Serleena, but dropped out of the project at the last minute. Michael Jackson will also have a cameo in the film.
Christine's Take: I didn't particularly like Men in Black. Frankly, I liked Smith better in Bad Boys (why don't they do a sequel to that?) But the pubic asked for Men in Black, so Men in Black II they received. Should be a summer hit.
Post-Release Verdict: In keeping with my adherence to not liking Will Smith very much, I skipped this film. And I'm still not buying Boyle as a Victoria's Secret Model, probably because she's ten pounds shy of a curve. On another topic, my prayers in 2002 have been answered in a suprisingly quick amount of time - Bad Boys II was released in 2003. See DVD details here.Powerpuff Girls: The Movie
Release Date: July 3
Director: Craig McCracken (series' creator)
Cast: Cathy Cavadini, Tara Charendoff, E.G. Daily
Premise: Movie will see Blossom (the redhead), Buttercup (the brunette), and Bubbles (the blonde) save the world. They were created by Professor Utorium when he accidentally used Chemical X (is that a new hormone treatment?) in an attempt to make three perfect little girls.
Notes: Based on the Cartoon Network's popular show. The movie will utilize the same music and voice-overs of the television series.
Christine's Take: The young ones might want to see this, but everyone else will be watching Men in Black II.
Post-Release Verdict: Perhaps it was good. I have no idea. See DVD details here.The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course
Release Date: July 12
Director: John Stainton (debut)
Cast: Steve Irwin, Terri Irwin, Bindi Sue Irwin, Steve Bastoni, Kate Behan, Lachy Hulme
Premise: The Crocodile Hunter (Irwin) becomes involved with a CIA agent's search for a missing spy satellite, which was swallowed by a crocodile (and the crocodile still lives?). Irwin believes the agents are poachers.
Notes: Based on the Animal Planet's "The Crocodile Hunter," a reality-based show hosted by Steve Irwin and Terri Irwin. The married couple runs the Australian Zoo in Queensland. Apparently, Irwin was not allowed to see the script or any of the movie, as Stainton believed it would ruin the Hunter's trademark spontaneity.
Christine's Take: It would be inevitable that Irwin would get his own movie. A legend in his own right, the daredevil zoologist has been called crazy by most, if not for his tendency to stick his head in a crocodile's mouth. But still, how much entertainment can a feature film offer that a television show can't adequately cover?
Post-Release Verdict: Did I really write that Irwin wasn't allowed to see the script at all during shooting? I guess we know what that means, and I'm not thinking Blair Witch here. See DVD details here.Reign of Fire
Release Date: July 12
Director: Rob Bowman (Airborne, The X-Files)
Cast: Christian Bale, Matthew McConaughey, Gerard Butler, Izabella Scorupco
Premise: In post-apocalyptic future England, a gang of fire-breathing dragons threatens man's existence as they set to dominate the world after a century's rest. American militia leader Denton Van Zan (McConaughey) and British "Fire Chief" Quinn Abercromby (Bale) team up to defeat the mean dragons. For Abercromby it is personal: his mother was killed by one of the dragons.
Christine's Take: Interesting story, not a new concept but a breath of fresh air (no pun intended) among the formulaic plots of the summer movies. Probably won't do as well as the other releases, but worth a look nonetheless. If you're looking for big special effects, this movie should include plenty of thrills.
Post-Release Verdict: I hear this film's not half bad, although I haven't seen it myself. I did, however, play the Reign of Fire game on Gameboy Advance. (I would have passed the first level if it weren't for all the killing.) See DVD details here.Road to Perdition
Release Date: July 12
Director: Sam Mendes (American Beauty)
Cast: Tom Hanks, Tyler Hoechlin, Jude Law, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Al Molina, Paul Newman, Stanley Tucci Premise: Michael Sullivan (Hanks), a.k.a. The Angel of Death, is a mob hitman with a wife (Leigh) and two sons (Hoechlin among them). His wife is killed, and Michael seeks vengeance. It is then that his son is exposed to the dark truth about his father.
Notes: Mendes' follow-up to American Beauty is adapted from the graphic 1998 novel, The Road to Perdition, by Max Allan Collins. FYI: Perdition has two main definitions: eternal damnation and Hell (you get the gist). The movie was originally announced for a November 2001 release, then a January 2002 release, and finally a Spring 2002 release before setting this date. Mendes needed extra time to finish the editing and scoring.
Christine's Take: Hey, it has Tom Hanks in it, so it's a must-see. Good buzz around the movie, but if you're expecting lovable, dopey Hanks in this role, you'll be sadly disappointed. As Mendes' sophomore project, it will either restate his reputation as an up-and-coming director or confirm that American Beauty was just a fluke. Watch for Jude, who is talented and scrumptious eye-candy to boot. What's that I smell? Could it be an Oscar bid?
Post-Release Verdict: No Oscars here, and now Jude Law is a nanny-nizing scoundrel. As well, Sam Mendes hasn't been seen in a while, but that's probably because he's busy being married to Kate Winslet and being a father, although he's got some films lined up in the next couple of years. See DVD details here.My Wife is an Actress
Release Date: July 12 (limited)
Director: Yvan Attal (debut)
Cast: Charlotte Gainsbourg, Terence Stamp, Yvan Attal
Premise: Writer/director/star Yvan Attal plays Yvan, a successful sports writer who is married to beautiful Charlotte, a famous actress (played by his real-life wife, Charlotte). He becomes jealous of her handsome co-star (Stamp).
Notes: Movie includes French/English subtitles, so bring your glasses. Premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2001 and was released in France in November 2001.
Christine's Take: The movie doesn't sound particularly interesting or noteworthy. I bet in a couple of days even I'll forget that I previewed this. Why is Terence Stamp even in this movie? I thought it was a family members-only cast.
Post-Release Verdict: I haven't heard any buzz on this film, but Rotten Tomatoes gives it a fresh rating. See DVD details here.Never Again
Release Date: July 12 (limited)
Director: Eric Schaeffer (Fall, If Lucy Fell)
Cast: Jill Clayburgh, Jeffrey Tambor, Caroline Aaron, Bill Duke, Sandy Duncan, Michael McKean
Premise: Christopher (Tambor) is a 50-ish New Yorker who is not having much luck with the dating scene. Convinced that he might be gay, he visits a gay bar, and a chance encounter with recent divorcée Grace (Clayburgh) sparks a romance.
Notes: This premiered in March at Austin's South by Southwest Film Festival. Tambor is most recognized as Larry Sander's sidekick on "The Larry Sanders Show." The title, Never Again, signifies the main characters' views on romance.
Christine's Take: Sweet, sweet story. I love those second-chance romance plots because, well, I'm a romantic at heart. It's even sweeter that the characters are older. That goes to show you, it's never too late to fall in love. Before I drip sugar and candy hearts all over this article, go see the movie.
Post-Release Verdict: Sadly, I haven't seen this film, and my local Blockbuster has probably already shoved it into the sales bin. But you can catch Jeffrey Tambor for free on FOX's "Arrested Development." See DVD details here.Eight-Legged Freaks
Release Date: July 19
Director: Ellory Elkayem (debut)
Cast: David Arquette, Kari Wuhrer, Scarlett Johansson, Doug E. Doug, Scott Terra
Premise: In a rural mining town (home of the typical horror movie) a chemical spill has caused hundreds of spiders to mutate, kill people, and possibly eat them. It's up to mining engineer Chris McCormack (Arquette), Sheriff Sam Parker (Wuhrer), her son Mike (Terra), daughter Ashley (Johansson), and radio announcer Harlan (Doug) to save the town.
Notes: This movie had a modest budget of $30 million - mostly for the special effects, not for the actors' salaries. It was originally supposed to be called Arach Attack, but the title was soon scrapped. Arquette came up with the new title while doing additional voice work for the film.
Christine's Take: This is my chance to plug another movie that Johansson appeared in, Ghost World. It's possibly one of the best movies of 2001 (that is, Ghost World), and I was disappointed that it didn't receive any major awards. Rent it! You won't be disappointed. What's that? Eight-Legged Freaks? Oh, right. Well, it's a campy horror movie starring David Arquette. Do I have to tell you more for you to know that you should avoid this at all costs?
Post-Release Verdict: It was on television the other day and I did not watch it. Okay, I saw one scene, but that was because I was waiting for "The L-Word" to start. And it was very possible that I was drunk. See DVD details here.Hallowe'en: Resurrection
Release Date: July 19
Director: Rick Rosenthal (Halloween II, American Dreamer)
Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis, Tyra Banks, Bianca Kajlich, Brad Loree, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Busta Rhymes, Sean Patrick Thomas
Premise: Busta Rhymes is an internet entrepreneur who has a wild and crazy idea. Six teens will spend the night at Michael Myer's old house and broadcast it live through a webcast. Well, either Myers takes the bus back to his old house, or he's been living there all along, because all of a sudden he shows up and proceeds to kill people. Curtis reprises her role as Laurie Strode.
Notes: This is the eight film in the franchise. The budget was $15 million dollars, so don't expect a lot of on-camera slashing. Myers should be about 50 years old by now.
Christine's Take: I've never seen any of the Hallowe'en movies, but from what people tell me, they're not too bad. But there's only so much a franchise can take before you have to retire it. Updating the locations isn't going to help. Jason's in space, now Myers is on the internet. It can't get worse than this. Hallowe'en is also the only franchise I know where rappers-turned-actors go to get some screen time and a song on the soundtrack. First there was L.L. Cool J., now it's Busta Rhymes (watch for Ice Cube in the ninth installment).
Post-Release Verdict: If you're looking for a straightforward slasher, look no further. Also, Jamie Lee Curtis should really not be credited first. See DVD details here.K-19: The Widowmaker
Release Date: July 19
Director: Kathryn Bigelow (Strange Days, Point Break, Near Dark)
Cast: Harrison Ford, Liam Neeson, Peter Sarsgaard, Joss Ackland, George Anton
Premise: This is based on the true story of the USSR's first nuclear ballistic submarine, the K-19. On June 4, 1967, during a routine trial in the North Atlantic, it is discovered that the cooling system of the reactor has failed, leading to a possible nuclear meltdown. Ford plays the captain of the ship, Neeson is his second-in-command. If the ship were to blow it would be interpreted as the first strike of nuclear war.
Notes: Filmed in Russia, Toronto and Halifax on an $80 million budget. Ford was reportedly paid $25 million against 20% of the box office gross, granted he spoke with Russian-accented English. Apparently, the K-19 veterans were irate over the screenplay, which depicted them as drunken incompetents.
Christine's Take: Rare movie that overlooks the American point of view (as it is not relevant in the story). I'm not particularly fond of Ford (at this point you must be wondering if I like anybody), but anyone who is a fan will appreciate this movie.
Post-Release Verdict: Still not too keen on Ford, and K-19 didn't garner quite the buzz that the such a cast would normally generate. See DVD details here.Stuart Little 2
Release Date: July 19
Director: Rob Minkoff (Stuart Little, The Lion King)
Cast: Michael J. Fox, Geena Davis, Melanie Griffith, Nathan Lane, Hugh Laurie, Jonathan Lipnicki
Premise: In the sequel, Stuart (Fox) is joined by a sexy pigeon (Griffith), a sly cat (Lane), and an addition to the family, baby Little.
Notes: Based on the children's book by E.B. White, and sequel to the 1999 film, which grossed $140 million worldwide. The first film's screenwriters, M. Night Shyamalan and Gregory J. Booker, are not returning to the project. Reportedly would have cost $150 million to shoot, but the script was tweaked to centre more on the human characters, thus cutting back animation costs.
Christine's Take: Man, little children must hate me because I keep ragging on their movies (makes you wonder what I was watching at their age). I haven't seen the original, so it's fair to say that if you enjoyed the first, see the second. But if it's not for you, stay in and read a book, as the other wide releases this week don't look much more hopeful.
Post-Release Verdict: The first was written by M. Night Shyamalan? What? See DVD details here.24 Hour Party People
Release Date: July 19 (limited)
Director: Michael Winterbottom (Welcome to Sarajevo, Wonderland)
Cast: Steve Coogan, Paddy Considine, Lennie James, Andy Serkis
Premise: This movie is based on the true story of the Manchester music scene, spanning from 70's punk to the 80's pill-popping psychedelia (hey, I made up a new word). The focus will be on the founders of Factory Records - which launched Joy Division (later known as New Order) - and the Hacienda Music Club. Factory Records shut down in 1992, and the Hacienda in 1997.
Notes: Already released in the U.K. in April, screened at Cannes in May.
Christine's Take: Since it's in limited release, catch it if you can (even if it means driving to New York). Should be worth a look - those British people are always crazier than we give them credit for.
Post-Release Verdict: Recommended for those who long for the funky and much more progressive music of yesteryear. See DVD details here.Tadpole
Release Date: July 19 (expands later)
Director: Gary Winick (The Tic Code, Sweet Nothing)
Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Bebe Neuwirth, Ron Rifkin, John Ritter, Aaron Stanford
Premise: Weaver is Ripley, a bald, tough-talking space Marine who kicks alien butt. Oops, wrong movie. Weaver plays Eve, stepmother to sixteen-year-old Oscar (Stanford). Oscar falls in love with Eve, and also sleeps with Eve's best friend (Neuwirth). You know, your typical coming-of-age story.
Notes: Premiered at Sundance in January 2002 and won Best Dramatic Director (Winick). Subsequently picked up by Miramax for $5 million.
Christine's Take: Miramax has high hopes for this movie, and why shouldn't they? Winick won Best Director for this movie. But as we all know, winning a prestigious prize at an indie festival doesn't guarantee big bucks at the box office.
Post-Release Verdict: And I am still right. See DVD details here.Austin Powers in Goldmember
Release Date: July 26
Director: Jay Roach (Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Meet the Parents)
Cast: Mike Myers, Michael Caine, Beyoncé Knowles, Seth Green, Heather Graham
Premise: Dr. Evil and Mini-Me team up with the newest enemy in the franchise, Goldfinger, to kidnap Austin's (Myers) father, Nigel (Caine). Austin time-travels back to the 70's to team up with his old partner, Foxxy Cleopatra (Knowles).
Notes: Cameos include Katie Couric, Danny DeVito, Quincy Jones, Ozzy Osbourne and the Osbournes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Fred Savage, Britney Spears, and Kevin Spacey. The third installment in the series, Goldmember ran into trouble early in production over rights to the name (MGM sued), but ultimately was able to retain the double entrendre. Myers reportedly said that he would like to keep the franchise going for at least a couple of more movies (yay!).
Christine's Take: Christine is temporarily unavailable. She's currently trying to get advanced tickets to the movie.
Post-Release Verdict: The third film was as funny as we've come to expect, but one wonders how long before the shtick gets old. And it's getting old fast. See DVD details here.The Country Bears
Release Date: July 26
Director: Peter Hastings (debut)
Cast: Christopher Walken, Daryl Mitchell, Queen Latifah, Haley Joel Osment, Charles S. Dutton
Premise: So there's this little bear named Beary (Osment) who lives with humans. One day he realizes that he's adopted, and embarks on a cross-country trip to Tennessee to find his real family and purpose in life. When he reaches his destination, he soon discovers that the Country Bear Hall is going to be torn down by an evil banker (Walken). He solicits the Country Bears (a singing bear group who have had a falling out and since disbanded) to save the hall.
Notes: The movie, based on the Country Bear Jamboree attraction at Walt Disney World, is possibly going to become a franchise.
Christine's Take: I remember seeing the trailer for this movie months ago and laughing through the whole thing. It would have been good if the laughs were intentional, but I found the premise and plot to be silly, not to mention predictable. My word, Beary never knew he was adopted? Would probably have been better as a cartoon or 3D animation, but the live action makes it look like you're watching the cheesy attraction at Disney World, not a movie.
Post-Release Verdict: I'm still laughing. See DVD details here.Happy Times
Release Date: July 26 (limited)
Director: Zhang Yimou (Not One Less)
Cast: Jie Dong, Lifan Dong, Benshan Zhao
Premise: Zhao (Zhao) is a man down on his luck. Upon visiting a matchmaker, he meets his future wife, and promises her a far more extravagant wedding than he can afford, leading her to think he is rich. He meets a young, blind girl and saves her from a suicide attempt. He offers her a job in an effort to ease her depression, but unfortunately, the hotel he claims to own doesn't exist. Hilarity ensues.
Notes: The movie is in Mandarin Chinese with subtitles.
Christine's Take: Definitely worth watching, if it's playing at a theatre near you. The limited release and subtitles almost certainly means it won't be playing on many screens, so if you miss its first run make sure to check out your local video store.
Post-Release Verdict: Asian films in North America seem to be more widely embraced if they feature kung fu or some creepy girl climbing out of a well, which is unfortunate considering most reviews for Happy Times are favourable. Pick this up if you can. See DVD details here.
[ From Signs to xXx. Part III of our Summer 2002 Movie Preview. ]