My, What to Review?

There are weeks when there is nothing new in the theater and I hate to review a known crappy movie just so I can write a scathing review. Besides, I really enjoy movies, and when I sit in that dark theater, I expect to be entertained, at least at some minimal level. Even a stinker such as The Brothers Grimm has at least some redeeming value (okay, in that case, not really...)

There are weeks I simply must grind my teeth, close my eyes, and pick something.

Not so this coming weekend. There are at least half a dozen of movies coming out that I really want to see. It must be Oscar-bait time. Don't get me wrong, I like a good popcorn flick, but I really do prefer solid, well-made dramas and comedies, and maybe a fantasy or two. But "well-made" is the key here: something original, uplifting, entertaining and yet meaningful. Movies are such a great, powerful medium I don't want to settle for less.

Now let's look at the roster for this week and next:

* Babel

Sounds very powerful, gritty, and stars Brad Pitt and Kate Blanchett, and have Oscar written all over it. Worth a look.

* Stranger Than Fiction

As a writer, this has a lot of appeal, plus Will Ferrell is good in a role like this, and Emma Thompson is always a joy to watch

* Copying Beethoven

How can you resist the story of Beethoven starring Ed Harris (with wild hair)?

* Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus

Two years ago I didn't know who Diane Arbus was. Now I do, after seeing her art in New York, and I loved it. Nicole Kidman sounds perfect playing Arbus.

* A Good Year

Russell Crowe in a coming-of-age Scrooge-type story. Gorgeous cinematography and Ron Howard-esque schmaltz. Is it worth $10?

* Night of the Living Dead 3D

Ooh!

* Casino Royale

A new Bond in a new Bond film. This one sounds interesting

* Bobby

Everyone is talking about this movie. I wasn't even born yet but the Robert Kennedy assassination sure is fascinating

* Happy Feet

Have seen the previews ad nauseum. This'd better be good

* Déjà Vu

A Sci-fi thriller in a season teemed with dramas. Could be interesting, especially with Danzel Washington in the lead. Inside Man was good -- of course, it had Clive Owen in it, too.

* For Your Consideration

Now, this looks like REALLY fun. Christopher Guest is a genius, and he has a great cast


So now you see my problem. Not only do I have to finish the first draft of my novel, I also have all these great movies to see and review. I guess something's gotta give.

Sorry, Jessica.

Comments

Reel Fanatic said…
There are two that just opened in my little corner of the world this week that I definitely want to see, Babel and Stranger than Fiction .. we also got A Good Year, but I have no desire to watch Russell Crowe "find himself" in France, no matter how beautiful the scenery is
uniquematerial said…
10bucks?
Haven't you ever heard of a matinee? Sheesh.
Ray Wong said…
Yeah, somehow a Russell Crowe coming-of-age directed by Ripley Scott just doesn't right.

And matinees are for lo... lovely ladies I mean
uniquematerial said…
Go ahead and say it, Ray. Low income people like me. :p

It's Sunday - I won't hassle you for not updating. Today.
Ray Wong said…
Give me a prompt! I am running out of things to say. I need prompts!
uniquematerial said…
You need to come back home. We were talking about you today. Oh, yes we were! HAHAHA! oh.

A prompt, yes. Okay, here's one:

'How did this cactus get in my shoe?'
Ray Wong said…
so what kind gossip are you having about me?

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