Fall Movie Preview - October (part 1)

The expansive preview continues into October. Hurrah. This time, it's a little revamped in terms of content. Enjoy...

October 3th

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

About: It's Michael Cera typecast (again) into the awkward "but-he's-sweet-is-he-gay?" role. I kind of dig that, though. We need a bit of that. Then there's Cat Dennings. Neutral. The story is about a night in New York City with teens and music and sprinkles of drama. If it's written well, it's gold.
Trailer Review: Cera looks absolutely hilarious. Kat Dennings seems to playing the "boring" protagonistic role. Actually, all the characters seem a bit like caricatures. Doesn't appear disgustingly in-your-face quirktastic. Some great lines in there that could be "CLASSIC". Where's the infinite playlist, though? Seriously, I need to hear some anti-folk or jazz-rock.
What I Say: It might just be a tamer, less-funny Superbad, which is great. It has the potential to have quotes printed on t-shirts, you know? VOTE FOR PEDRO. That's pretty old isn't it? Predicted Ending: It'll be honey-sweet, with Nick and Norah becoming more than fake dates. They see the beauty in each other as the hi-jinx ensue. Norah will make Nick a really good playlist and stuff with a ton of songs. Nick gets Norah pregnant. (Now Cera is getting really type-cast).



Religulous

About: Superatheist Bill Maher goes around and laughs at other people's religions. I'm there. No, he's apparently sensitive. I wish I got HBO, because he was on The View (those women have some good political insight, really...really) and was hilarious.
Trailer Review: Really hilarious. An awesome trailer. The thing I like is that he's making a mockery of it all. In a good way. Looks really good, I must say.
What I Say: I hope it gets a doc nomination. It certainly could. Thinking of it, God is kind of an odd thing...but let's not get into it.
Predicted Ending: Maher has a big monologue at the end about how he's learned a lot through the experience then unleashes a Jesus-zinger, that makes half the audience cringe. I love it.



Rachel Getting Married

About: Demme's return to dominance? Hathaway's first Oscar? Debra Winger bites an extra's lip off on set? The festival darling (for the most part) about a druggie's rekindling with her family as her sister (Rosemary DeWitt) gets married to one of my favorite band's frontman. I<<3tvotr. Trailer Review: The best trailer of the year? The hand-held camera seems fitting in an odd way. Makes the whole thing seem so authentic and real. Hathaway seems to have the perfect blend of drama/comedy. The dialogue: "Didn't I see you on Cops?" That's good. Looking very cheesy, though, at the end of the trailer. Hm.
What I Say: This just might be the Best Picture "dark horse". Not that the film is so off the radar, but I can't quite see it being up for the big prize. There is Anne, though.
Predicted Ending: It'll go out gritty, I say. A big fight at the end, and Hathaway storms out, never to be seen again. Too easy, though, isn't it?




October 10th

Body of Lies

About: It's another Aussie pairing of Crowe and director Ridley Scott. Yet, the X-Factor is now Leonardo DiCaprio. "In Jordan, an ex-journalist (DiCaprio) working to locate an Al Qaeda leader for the CIA faces pressure from an agent (Crowe) for whom failure is not an option." Leo looks a tad wolfy..and Crowe looks a tad very chubby.
Trailer Review: Ugh, looks so ridiculously intense. Ridiculously. Everything about it is over-the-top, in-your-face, conspiracy, Apocalypse, death, politics. Ah! Too much at once, I tell you. Oh, and Russell Crowe just slipped off of my Supporting (Lead?) Actor line-up.
What I Say: I really, kind of think this will bomb. If not, watch out for Russell Crowe. This could be a mighty fine performance.
Predicted Ending: I don't know. It'll be epic, and unhappy. Can we move on?



City of Ember

About: Watch out for this little sucker. I think it has something. Starring Oscar-nominated Saorise Ronan, it's based off a celebrated fantasy kids' book. There's no light or something, so Saorise has to go in a tunnel and find some with the help of Bill Murray? Who knows.
Trailer Review: Hm. Looks a little National Treaureish. Saorise seems annoying, but I bet she'll pull through. Murray looks old. Oh well. The visuals, though. Those look HOT.
What I Say: You can hold me to this, but I have a feeling this may spawn quite a franchise. Maybe not, but I think it could be respectably made and make some cash. I hope.

Predicted Ending: I have the novel..what, five yards away from me. Want me to skim through it and sheet. No, this is obvious. It'll be a bit of a cliff-hanger, so they can grind out a sequel.



Happy-Go-Lucky

About: The newest Mike Leigh film that's already pissing everyone off. It's about Poppy (yes, Poppy) played by the supposedly impressive Sally Hawkins, who is a primary school teacher who tries her hardest to keep her nauseating optimism with her despite outside forces.
Trailer Review: The trailer was kind of shitty, but Hawkins does look good, if not a bit aggravating. She's just so happy-go-lucky! Anyway, the film has already come out in Britain ages ago, and apparently the films quite good. Hm.
What I Say: I want to see it, but not terribly. I'm not at all familiar with Mike Leigh or Hawkins, but the plot is a tad intriguing. Can Hawkins squeeze her way into the already-crowded Best Actress field? Eh, I don't think so.
Predicted Ending: Knowing Leigh's a bit grim, I can't see the ending being too ... happy-go-lucky - but then will the film become inconsistent? I say Poppy cracks. Nervous breakdown. No. Yeah.



October 17th

W.

About: You know what it's about. Dubya's rare up's and common down's as the hopeless president of the US of A. Oliver Stone directs (the selling point) and Brolin stars as the man, myth and legend.
Trailer Review: Cliche movie music or what? But, hey, you gotta love some Talking Heads. Fitting. Damn, it looks great. Some of the dialogue makes me cringe, just because it's a little too easy, but still. Ellen Burstyn should be great and Brolin looks like a contender. I cannot wait.
What I Say: I can't really figure out the awards chances of this film. So many wild cards. Logically, the best chance is probably Brolin for Actor, but Elizabeth Banks seems like a "sleeper" for Supporting Actress.
Predicted Ending: Ugh, we get in a war. He leaves office and the country has gone to shit? Possibly.



October 24th


HSM3

About: The return of the Disney moneymakingmachine. So, like, Gabriella is, like, trying out for a show and it's like senior year. Troy doesn't want to, like, leave high school and be separated, ya know? Anyone have some razors I can chew on?
Trailer Review: Ashley Tisdale's character is still a huge bitch? Hm. TEN NEW SONGS?! You mean they'll have more dancing in the gym?! Seriously, haven't they already made this film twice?
What I Say: I saw the first one, and thought it was pretty stupid, yet I can see why it's the big craze. Never saw the second and most likely, won't see this one. You know what? This sort of has bomb material. Maybe I'm crazy though...
Predicted Ending: As the film tries to steer clear of blatant cliches...it'll be graduation and they'll have all their garb on. Then, as Troy goes up to get his diploma he looks at whatever girl he's going out with and starts to do that bratty singing. You know, like when he holds out one arm and stars he in the eye, kind of creepily? Yeah, you know.



Changeling

About: The Angelina Wants Another Friggen' Oscar Engine, right? Actually, no. It's going to be a highly respectable, ultra-dramatic, subtle film that probably will kick ass and take names on Oscar night. Isn't this routine getting tired, though?
Trailer Review: Looks very...boring. Seriously, does Jolie have to yell so damn much? Hey, hey, don't chew up all the scenery. The costumes and set pieces and all of that seem extremely well done, though.
What I Say: I'd be genuinely surprised if Jolie didn't land a nomination. Seems like a killer role, for her. But, otherwise, I'm not very excited. I'm certainly looking forward to Gran Torino, opposed to this.
Predicted Ending: Jolie's character will probably die. Seems logical. Malcovich seems a tad shady, if I may notice. He could end up being bad. I don't have a clue, really.



October 31st

Zack and Miri Make A Porno

About: Elizabeth Banks shows up again - AGAIN - with Seth Rogen, one comedian who isn't having trouble finding work. Kevin Smith directs this film that clearly wants to be very raunchy. Have you seen the poster? Titillating?
Trailer Review: I'll watching the racy redband one. Oh, fun! Geez, Craig Robinson seems to have a surprisingly large role. Good for him, he's good in The Office. The Glengarry Glen Ross line is pretty good. Maybe I shouldn't repeat it at the moment ... but, ah...
What I Say: It's going to have its fans for sure, and probably be one of Smith's best. Can this film equal the successes Rogen has had with Apatow? Possibly.
Predicted Ending: I don't know. Probably something putrid. Again, I probably shouldn't get into details. This is a family blog, remember?


So that's that. November should come...at the beginning of Nov./End of October.