Best Bet(s): Billed as three comedies… audiences are likely to enjoy these three movies in varying levels of satisfaction.  So far, I can tell you that “My Life in Ruins” (read my review) is not as good as you might hope in a romantic comedy.  The buzz on the other two movies is that some audiences will enjoy and others will be disappointed by either Will Ferrell’s “Land of the Lost” or “The Hangover” from the director of “Old School”.

New on DVD (Tuesday): “Defiance”, “He’s Just Not That Into You”, “Revolutionary Road”, “Spring Breakdown”

Best Bet(s): Three strong offerings on DVD came out on Tuesday: Oscar nominated drama “Revolutionary Road” (read my review) (Kate and Leo)…  Oscar nominated World War II drama “Defiance” (read my review) (Daniel Craig and Liev Schrieber)… and the very successful and enjoyable ensemble romantic comedy “He’s Just Not That Into You” (read my review).  I have no information about the Amy Poehler/Parkey Posey/Rachel Dracht comedy “Spring Breakdown”… you’re on your ownon that one… but here’s a red flag: straight to DVD!!!

 CLICK HERE TO FIND A MOVIE SHOWTIME

Next Week at Theaters: “Imagine That”, “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3″, “The Brothers Bloom” (limited release at Celebration! North and Celebration! Cinema Crossroads in Grand Rapids and Cinema Carousel in Muskegon)

Next Week on DVD: “Crossing Over”, “Fired Up”, “Gran Torino”, “The International”, “Spinning Into Butter”

MY REVIEWS OF OTHER MOVIES CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THEATERS OR AVAILABLE TO RENT/BUY: 

Playing at West Michigan movie theaters:
“Star Trek” (8.5 / 10)
“Angels & Demons” (8.5 / 10)
“I Love You, Man” (8.0/ 10)
“State of Play” (8.0)
“X-Men Origins: Wolverine” (7.5 / 10)
“Four Christmases”  (7.5 / 10)
“Knowing” (7.0 / 10)
“Watchmen” (7.0 / 10)
“The Day the Earth Stood Still” (6.5 / 10)
“Monsters Vs. Aliens” (6.0 / 10)
“Confessions of A Shopaholic” (5.5 / 10)
“Dance Flick” (2.0 / 10)

- – -

Available to rent or buy:
“Slumdog Millionaire” (9.5/ 10)
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (9.5 / 10)
“The Dark Knight” (9.5 / 10)
“Changeling”  (9.5 / 10)
“WALL-E” (9.0)
“Pride and Glory” (9.0 / 10)
“The Wrestler” (8.9 / 10)
“Righteous Kill” (8.9 / 10)
“Eagle Eye” (8.5 / 10)
“Burn After Reading” (8.5 / 10)
“Wanted” (8.0 / 10)
“Defiance” (8.0 / 10)
“The Visitor” (8.0 / 10)
“Australia”  (7.9 / 10)
“Frozen River” (7.9 / 10)
“Revolutionary Road” (7.9 / 10)
“New in Town” (7.9 / 10)
“Quantum of Solace”  (7.5 / 10)
“Taken” (7.5 / 10)
“Fanboys” (8.5 for me, adjusted to 7.5 for most)
“He’s Just Not That Into You” (7.5 / 10)
“Traitor” (7.5 / 10)
“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”
“Marley & Me” (7.5 / 10)
“Bride Wars” (7.5 / 10)
“Rachel Getting Married” (7.0)
“Paul Blart: Mall Cop” (7.0 / 10)
“Get Smart” (7.0 / 10)
“Bedtime Stories” (7.0 / 10)
“Twilight”  (7.0 / 10)
“Hotel for Dogs” (7.0 / 10)
“Appaloosa” (6.9 / 10)
“Lakeview Terrace” (6.5 / 10)
“Hellboy II: Golden Army” (6.5 / 10)
“Body of Lies” (6.0)
“Noise” (6.0 / 10) 

– 

Follow my updates on twitter: http://twitter.com/aaronlafferty

Add to your RSS feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/woodtv8-blogs-laff-at-the-movies?format=html

YouTube Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=WOODTV8&view=videos&query=laff+at+the+movies

“Revolutionary Road” is a showcase of great acting, its a powderkeg of emotions that masterfully explodes on the screen, but the overall depressing story is a tough pill to swallow in these times.

I understand now the awards that this movie is being nominated for… and the ones it isn’t… except for one.  The acting awards for Kate Winslet as best actress and Michael Shannon for best supporting actor… but what about Leonardo DiCaprio for best actor?  Okay. Okay, I’m getting ahead of myself here…

A warning to parents… this movie has adult themes and would be totally boring for the younger audiences.
 

Imagine 10 years after the “Titanic”… if Jack had survived… and he and Rose got married, had kids and  moved to the suburbs… and Molly Brown (Kathy Bates) became their real estate agent.   There’s even talk about sailing the Atlantic in a big boat… sounds like a sequel right? 

Nope… instead, imagine Kate and Leo in the less romantic, less exciting everyday mundane life of an american couple stuck in jobs they don’t like… in a neighborhood they don’t really like either… in a life they feel trapped in and secretely blame each other for… and their love is a little shaky… and their characters are April and Frank… and you have “Revolutionary Road”.

Winslet is great in her role and well deserving of the Golden Globe and the other nominations her acting received… her character has so many layers… and she pulls it off with ease and class.

DiCaprio also shines in one of his more emotionally challenging roles… he brings realism and depth to the character… but in the end I have to agree that this role isn’t quite top five (only five spots for the Oscar for best actor) material – because you still see Leo.. or other characters he played coming through the role… like the the ladies man character of Frank in ”Catch Me If You Can” (2002) or the tough guy in “The Departed” (2006).

Kathy Bates is solid and sells her character of the nosy and obtrusive real estate agent.

In some ways it makes sense that supporting actor Michael Shannon gets the Oscar nomination for his performance as the mentally unstable son of Bates’ character.  He steals the few scenes he is in and is totally immersed in the character… you see him for the character he is, not who he is.   (If you want to see Shannon in some other good, but minor roles, check him out in Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007) or “Bad Boys II” (2003).)

The sets and costumes are also well done, adding to the story in setting the time and place… and do deserve the award nominations.  The cinematography was well done too… with great use of close ups… or wide shots to convey different feelings and tones.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

The movie isn’t bad, its well crafted, but the story leaves you feeling empty and possibly depressed.  When most americans are going to theaters to escape everyday life and be entertained – who wants to see two hours of reality on the big screen?   The acting really keeps this movie above average, but not quite enough to put it in consideration for best picture or a movie I would consider adding to my collection… I give it 7.9 out of 10 … you should see it.. once… so you can say you saw these talented acting performances.

“Revolutionary Road”

(2008)
(rated: R for language and some sexual content/nudity)
(1 hr, 59 min)

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Michael Shannon, Kathy Bates, Richard Easton, David Harbour, Kathryn Hahn, Zoe Kazan, Dylan Baker

Director: Sam Mendes

Genre: Drama/Romance

The Plot: A young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children. Based on a novel by Richard Yates.

So what did you think?  Please post a comment!

.
“Revolutionary Road” poster courtesy DreamWorks

 ** CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MY OTHER MOVIE REVIEWS **

Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/aaronlafferty

New this week at Theaters (Friday): “Revolutionary Road” (wide release), ”The Wrestler” (wide release), “Inkheart”, “Possession”, “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans”, “The Dark Knight” (IMAX re-issue)

New this week on DVD (Tuesday): “City of Ember”, “The Express”, “Henry Poole is Here”, “Igor”, “Max Payne”, “Repo! The Genetic Opera”, “Saw V”, “Amusement”

MY REVIEWS OF OTHER MOVIES CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THEATERS OR AVAILABLE TO RENT: 

Playing at West Michigan movie theaters:
“Slumdog Millionaire” (9.5 / 10)
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (9.5 / 10)
“Changeling”  (9.5 / 10)
“Defiance” (8.0 / 10)
“Australia”  (7.9 / 10)
“Bride Wars” (7.5 / 10)
“Marley & Me” (7.5 / 10)
“Four Christmases”  (7.5 / 10)
“Quantum of Solace”  (7.5 / 10)
“Role Models”  (7.5 / 10)
“The Boy in the Striped Pajamas”  (7.5 / 10)
“Paul Blart: Mall Cop” (7.0 / 10)
“Bedtime Stories” (7.0 / 10)
“Hotel for Dogs” (7.0 / 10)
“Twilight”  (7.0 / 10)
“The Day the Earth Stood Still” (6.5 / 10)

- – -

Available to rent or buy:
“The Dark Knight” (9.5 / 10)
“WALL-E” (9.0)
“Righteous Kill” (8.9 / 10)
“Eagle Eye” (8.5 / 10)
“Burn After Reading” (8.5 / 10)
“Wanted” (8.0 / 10)
“Traitor” (7.5 / 10)
“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”
“Appaloosa” (6.9 / 10)
“Hellboy II: Golden Army” (6.5 / 10)
“Noise” (6.0 / 10 )

- – - 

Next Week at Theaters: “New in Town”, “Taken”, “The Uninvited”

Next Week on DVD: “College”, “Fireproof”, “Lakeview Terrace”, “The Lucky Ones”, “Pride and Glory”, “The Rocker”, “RockNRolla”, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”

For some reason (lack of sleep?) I left “The Unborn” off the new in theaters list… and “Revolutionary Road” is still in limited release and not coming to the Grand Rapids market January 23rd…. sorry !!! 
I also received word that “The Reader” is moving from Celebration! Woodland to Celebration! Rivertown this weekend.

New this week in Theaters (Friday): “Bridewars”, “Not Easily Broken”, “Gran Torino” (Grand Rapids), “The Unborn”

New this week on DVD (Tuesday): “Pineapple Express”, “Righteous Kill”, “Babylon A.D.”, “Bangkok Dangerous”, “Disaster Movie”, “The Wackness”

.

.

MY TAKE ON WHAT’S NEW ON DVD: Okay, I know I’m one of the few people who actually liked the Pacino/DeNiro movie “Righteous Kill”, but if you listened to most critics and waited to rent it, now’s the time to see it.  

The other five movies I haven’t seen but have varying levels of concern: “Pineapple Express” is a stoner/action/comedy that was well received by some audiences and critics, “Disaster Movie” is another farce by the producers of all those other recent spoof movies, “The Wackness” got some good reviews by the limited audiences that saw it… it also has a *pot* plot.

And then there are the box office stinkers “Babylon A.D.” and “Bangkok Dangerous”, yes the second was #1 the week it opened, but there was nothing else in wide release that week, audiences for both movies dropped signigicantly the 2nd week at the theater and by the way scored very low on most reviews.

Looking for other rentals?   Check out these movies:
“The Dark Knight” (9.5 / 10)
“Eagle Eye” (8.5 / 10)
“Wanted” (8.0 / 10)
“Burn After Reading” (8.5 / 10)
“Traitor” (7.5 / 10)
“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”

- – -

.

.

MY TAKE ON WHAT’S NEW IN THEATERS: 1 Oscar contender, a romantic comedy aimed at the ladies, a romantic drama, and a horror movie.  “Gran Torino” was filmed in Detroit and Clint Eastwood has said its his last acting appearance, although he plans to keep directing, Eastwood has received several nominations for his acting in “Gran Torino”.   “Bridewars” is the light-hearted “date” movie of the bunch about two friends Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway who dream of having their weddings at the same hard-to-book location.     “Not Easily Broken” is a movie I haven’t heard much about, but its about a couple and how a life-changing event tests their relationship.   “The Unborn” is another seemingly formulaic, yet unique horror flick about a girl who discovers her unborn twin is haunting her.

MY REVIEWS OF MOVIES CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THEATERS: 

“Slumdog Millionaire”  (9.5)
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (9.5)
“Changeling”  (9.5)
“Australia”  (7.9)
“Four Christmases”  (7.5)
“Marley & Me” (7.5)
“Quantum of Solace”  (7.5)
“Role Models”  (7.5)
“The Boy in the Striped Pajamas”  (7.5)
“Twilight”  (7.0)
“The Day the Earth Stood Still” (6.5)
“What Just Happened”  (6.5)

- – -

Next Week at Theaters: “Defiance” (wide release), “Hotel for Dogs”, “Last Chance Harvey” (wide release), “My Bloody Valentine 3-D”, “Notorious”, “Paul Blart: Mall Cop”

Next Week on DVD: “Appaloosa”, “Brideshead Revisted”, “Mirrors”, ”My Best Friend’s Girl”, “Swing Vote”,  ”Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys”

If you can’t get to the theaters during this week, there’s always next week, so with no new movies in wide release, we can all try to catch up…

New on DVD: “Burn After Reading” (Sunday), “Savage Grace”, “Pulse 3″, “Beethoven’s Big Break”

MY TAKE ON WHAT’S NEW ON DVD: There’s only one movie to recommend here, UNLESS your rental audience includes kids, then “Burn After Reading” - one of my favorite comedies of the year – is NOT for you, otherwise, I highly recommend this quirky Comedy/Drama from the Coen Brothers with a great cast of characters.

There are nearly a dozen movies out new in theaters this week, including 3 with possible Academy Award chances for Best Picture, so be sure to read the releases for both Thursday (12/25) and Friday (12/26)…

New at Theaters Thursday 12/25: “Frost/Nixon” (wide), “Bedtime Stories”, “The Spirit”, “Marley & Me”, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, “The Reader” (limited), “Doubt” (wide)

.

.

New at Theaters Friday 12/26: “Slumdog Millionaire” (expanded), “Valkyrie”, “Last Chance Harvey” (limited), “Revolutionary Road” (limited), “Waltz with Bashir” (limited)

MY TAKE ON WHAT’S NEW IN THEATERS: “Frost/Nixon”, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, and “Slumdog Millionaire” are the 3 movies with Oscar buzz… so far, I’ve only seen one, but that will soon change, not to mention “Benjamin Button” was part of my Fall/Holiday Preview, and now its finally here!! 

“Doubt” and “The Reader” are dramas with Golden Globe nominated performances.

If you see “Marley & Me”, be sure sure to take some tissues with you – this movie may be labeled a romantic comedy – but its not a gut buster, its a tear jerker!

For the romance, there’s “Last Chance Harvey” (Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson) and “Revolutionary Road” (Leonardo DiCpario and Kate Winslett) but both are in limited release and may not be playing at any theater remotely near you.

For the kids/family: Adam Sandler’s new “Bedtime Stories” looks like a lot of fun… we’ll see.

- – -

MY REVIEWS OF MOVIES CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THEATERS: 
“Four Christmases”  (7.5)
“Twilight”  (7.0)
“Australia”  (7.9)
“Quantum of Solace”  (7.5)
“Role Models”  (7.5)
“Slumdog Millionaire”  (9.5)
“The Boy in the Striped Pajamas”  (7.5)
“Changeling”  (9.5)
“What Just Happened”  (6.5)

- – -

Next Week at Theaters: “Defiance” (limited), “Good” (LA/NY)

Next Week on DVD: “The Duchess” (Saturday), “Eagle Eye” (Saturday), “Ghost Town” (Saturday), “An American Carol”, “Surfer, Dude”, “Towelhead”

“Release Dates Are Subject to Change” … glad I added that to this list… because one date change pushed a movie completely out of the Fall/Winter season… “Taken” moves from September 19th to January 23rd !!!  Also moving: “Crossing Over” moves from October 24th to December 3rd and “Blindness” moves from September 26th to October 3rd.

That means “Blindness” moves into to my “15 to See”:

“Blindness” (October 3rd) – everyone is going blind.. except for Julianne Moore… sounds crazy!

.

And that means “The Lucky Ones” (September 26-limited release) moves on to my “Honorable Mentions” list…

Rachel McAdams, Tim Robbins, and Michael Peña star as three soldiers that meet one another as they have all returned from Iraq, and circumstance unites them for a road trip across the country.

—–

Originally Published: September 5, 2008 at 10:48am:

The first week of September… its a signal of back to school and the end of the summer movie season… and I’ve got 15 movies for you to look forward to during the Fall/Holiday Movie Season…

Laff’s Fall/Holiday Movie Preview – 15 to see

15 is a bonus… some people give you a Top 10… but I’m giving you 15…  15 movies over the next 4 months that are likely to be big at the box office and/or fill out the ballots for Academy Award consideration !!!!

(release dates are subject to change)

“Burn After Reading” (September 12th)

New comedy-drama from Ethan and Joel Cohen… with a great cast and cool trailer!!!

Watch the “Burn After Reading” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand, George Clooney, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, J.K. Simmons

Plot: A disk containing the memoirs of a CIA agent ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous gym employees who attempt to sell it.

Early look at “Burn After Reading”

—-

“Righteous Kill” (September 12th)

I was ready for this one as soon as they announced Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino would be in the movie together … and they are both police officers.. and the trailer solidified it for me!

“Righteous Kill” trailer at trailerpsy.com

Starring: Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, 50 Cent, Carla Gugino, John Leguizamo, Donnie Wahlberg, Brian Dennehy

Plot: Two veteran New York City detectives (De Niro and Pacino) work to identify the possible connection between a recent murder and a case they believe they solved years ago; is there a serial killer on the loose, and did they perhaps put the wrong person behind bars?

—-

“Taken” (now January 23rd )

I can’t wait to see Liam Neeson back in a leading role kicking some butt !!

Watch the ”Taken” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Xander Berkeley, Katie Cassidy, Olivier Rabourdin, Leland Orser, Jon Gries

Plot: A former spy (Neeson) relies on his old skills to save his estranged daughter (Grace), who has been forced into the slave trade.

Early look: “Taken”

—-

“Appaloosa” (Sept 19th – limited release) (October 3rd)

I really like Westerns… but there are only a few modern westerns I like.. we’ll see if this can make that exclusive list!

“Appaloosa” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Renee Zellweger, Jeremy Irons, Ed Harris, Lance Henricksen

Plot: Two friends hired to police a small town that is suffering under the rule of a rancher find their job complicated by the arrival of a young widow.

—-

“What Just Happened?” (limited release) (October 3rd)

More Al Pacino… gotta love it .. and Bruce Willis back in a funny guy role… I’m in!!

“What Just Happened?” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Robert De Niro, Bruce Willis, Stanley Tucci, John Turturro, Kristen Stewart, Lilly Rabe

Plot: Two weeks in the life of a fading Hollywood producer (De Niro) who’s having a rough time trying to get his new picture made.

—-

“Blindness” (October 3rd)

 - everyone is going blind.. except for Julianne Moore

—-

“Body of Lies” (October 10th)

Buzz around this movie about possible Academy Award nominations.. oh by the way, did I mention Leonardo DiCaprio and Russel Crowe are the stars and its Directed by Ridley Scott !!!

“Body of Lies” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong

Plot: A former journalist injured in the Iraq war is hired by the CIA to track down an Al Qaeda leader in Jordan. Based on the novel “Body of Lies” by David Ignatius.

—- 

“Pride & Glory” (October 24th)

Has the look of a “Departed”, lets just hope it lives up to that Academy Award possibility… with Colin Farrell and Edward Norton… it has a good chance !

“Pride & Glory” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Colin Farrell, Edward Norton, Jon Voight, Noah Emmerich

Plot: A saga centered on a multi-generational family of New York City Police officers. The family’s moral codes are tested when Ray Tierney (Edward Norton), investigates a case that reveals an incendiary police corruption scandal involving his own brother-in-law (Colin Farrell). For Ray, the truth is revelatory, a Pandora’s Box that threatens to upend not only the Tierney legacy but the entire NYPD.

—-

“Changeling” (October 31st)

Angelina Jolie acting, Clint Eastwood Directing, with John Malkovich also starring… sounds like the recipe similiar to Academy Award winning “Million Dollar Baby”. hmm..

” Changeling” trailer not yet released, but there is a clip to watch here

Starring: Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan

Plot: A mother’s prayer for her kidnapped son to return home is answered, though it doesn’t take long for her to suspect the boy who comes back is not hers.

—-

“RockNRolla” (October 31st)

The buzz is Guy Ritchie is back… (although I liked “Revolver” )… with critics saying this movie is back at the level of “Snatch” and ”Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels”.

“RockNRolla” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Gerard Butler, Jeremy Piven, Thandie Newton, Tom Wilkinson, Nonso Anozie, Charlotte Armer, Gemma Arterton

Plot: In London, a real-estate scam puts millions of pounds up for grabs, naturally attraction the attention of some of the city’s scrappiest tough guys (Butler, Elba) its more established underworld players (Wilkinson), and others — all of whom are looking to get rich quick.

—-

“Quantum of Solace” (November 14th)

This is the 22nd movie in the James Bond franchise, the 2nd for Daniel Craig as Bond.

Watch the “Quantum of Solace” trailer

Starring: Daniel Craig, Mathieu Amalric, Judi Dench, Olga Kurylenko, Gemma Arterton, Jeffrey Wright, Jesper Christensen

Plot: Seeking revenge for the death of his love, secret agent James Bond sets out to stop an environmentalist from taking control of a country’s water supply.

Early reports on new Bond movie

—-

“Australia” (November 26th)

Baz Luhrman’s epic about Australia in the 1930’s/40’s, his first movie since 2001’s “Moulin Rouge”

“Australia” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, David Wenham

Plot: Set in northern Australia before World War II, an English aristocrat who inherits a sprawling ranch reluctantly pacts with a stock-man in order to protect her new property from a takeover plot. As the pair drive 2,000 head of cattle over unforgiving landscape, they experience the bombing of Darwin, Australia, by Japanese forces firsthand.

—-

“Defiance” (December 12th)

Another Daniel Craig movie… and this one could lead to an Academy Award nomination…

“Defiance” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell

Plot: Three Jewish brothers (Craig, Schreiber and Bell) escape from Nazi-occupied Poland into the Belarussian forest, where they join Russian resistance fighters and endeavor to build a village in order to protect themselves and others in danger.

—-

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (December 19th)

The minute I saw this trailer I was hooked… there’s a theme here, another movie from an actor already on this list… and this could see some Academy Award consideration !!

watch “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” trailer at trailerspy.com 

Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Julia Ormond, Elle Fanning, Elias Koteas

Plot: Tells the story of Benjamin Button, a man who starts aging backwards with bizarre consequences.

Directed by: David Fincher - “Panic Room” (2002), “Fight Club” (1999), “Se7en” (1995)

Early look at “Benjamin Button”

—-

“Seven Pounds” (December 19th)

( trailer not yet available )

Starring: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Barry Pepper

Plot: The emotional story of a man who will change the lives of seven strangers.

—-

“Revolutionary Road” (limited release)(December 26th)

Another Leonardo DiCaprio movie on this list, this time he’s back with his “Titanic” co-star Kate Winslet… and there’s already buzz about possible Academy Awards.

( trailer not yet available )

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Kathy Bates

Plot: A young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children. Based on a novel by Richard Yates.

—-

Honorable Mentions for the Fall/Holiday Movie Season:

“Lakeview Terrace” (September 19th) – Samuel L. Jackson plays a troublesome neighbor, who is also a police officer… so the neighbors have problems getting anyone to respond to their problems.

“Eagle Eye” (September 26th) – Shia LaBeouf in a thriller, set in the terrorist-anxiety world of today

“Blindness” (now October 3rd) – everyone is going blind.. except for Julianne Moore… sounds crazy!

“Crossing Over” (now December 3rd) – Harrison Ford, Ashley Judd, Sean Penn, Ray Liotta in a drama that takes a at the issue of illegal immigration in America, touching on subjects ranging from border crossing, document fraud, enforcement, culture clash, and homeland security.

“Twilight” (November 21st) - popular teen book turned movie with a Grand Rapids native in the cast

“The Soloist” (November 21st) – Robert Downey, Jr and Jamie Foxx – In a drama about a schizophrenic, homeless musician from Skid Row, Los Angeles dreams of playing at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

“The Road” (November 26th) – a father and son try to survive in a post-apocalyptic thriller

“The Day the Earth Stood Still” (December 12th) Keannu Reeves in the remake of the 1951 classic

“Valkyrie” (December 26th) Tom Cruise as a good Nazi?  the 8/14/08 release date moved up

—-

So what did you think?  Please post a comment!

.

** CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MY MOVIE REVIEWS **

Laff’s Fall/Holiday Movie Preview – 15 to see

15 is a bonus… some people give you a Top 10… but I’m giving you 15…  15 movies over the next 4 months that are likely to be big at the box office and/or fill out the ballots for Academy Award consideration !!!!

(release dates are subject to change)

“Burn After Reading” (September 12th)

New comedy-drama from Ethan and Joel Cohen… with a great cast and cool trailer!!!

Watch the “Burn After Reading” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand, George Clooney, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, J.K. Simmons

Plot: A disk containing the memoirs of a CIA agent ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous gym employees who attempt to sell it.

Early look at “Burn After Reading”

—-

“Righteous Kill” (September 12th)

I was ready for this one as soon as they announced Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino would be in the movie together … and they are both police officers.. and the trailer solidified it for me!

“Righteous Kill” trailer at trailerpsy.com

Starring: Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, 50 Cent, Carla Gugino, John Leguizamo, Donnie Wahlberg, Brian Dennehy

Plot: Two veteran New York City detectives (De Niro and Pacino) work to identify the possible connection between a recent murder and a case they believe they solved years ago; is there a serial killer on the loose, and did they perhaps put the wrong person behind bars?

—-

“Taken” (September 19th)

I can’t wait to see Liam Neeson back in a leading role kicking some butt !!

Watch the ”Taken” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Xander Berkeley, Katie Cassidy, Olivier Rabourdin, Leland Orser, Jon Gries

Plot: A former spy (Neeson) relies on his old skills to save his estranged daughter (Grace), who has been forced into the slave trade.

Early look: “Taken”

—-

“Appaloosa” (Sept 19th – limited release) (October 3rd)

I really like Westerns… but there are only a few modern westerns I like.. we’ll see if this can make that exclusive list!

“Appaloosa” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Renee Zellweger, Jeremy Irons, Ed Harris, Lance Henricksen

Plot: Two friends hired to police a small town that is suffering under the rule of a rancher find their job complicated by the arrival of a young widow.

—-

“What Just Happened?” (limited release) (October 3rd)

More Al Pacino… gotta love it .. and Bruce Willis back in a funny guy role… I’m in!!

“What Just Happened?” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Robert De Niro, Bruce Willis, Stanley Tucci, John Turturro, Kristen Stewart, Lilly Rabe

Plot: Two weeks in the life of a fading Hollywood producer (De Niro) who’s having a rough time trying to get his new picture made.

—-

“Body of Lies” (October 10th)

Buzz around this movie about possible Academy Award nominations.. oh by the way, did I mention Leonardo DiCaprio and Russel Crowe are the stars and its Directed by Ridley Scott !!!

“Body of Lies” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong

Plot: A former journalist injured in the Iraq war is hired by the CIA to track down an Al Qaeda leader in Jordan. Based on the novel “Body of Lies” by David Ignatius.

—- 

“Pride & Glory” (October 24th)

Has the look of a “Departed”, lets just hope it lives up to that Academy Award possibility… with Colin Farrell and Edward Norton… it has a good chance !

“Pride & Glory” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Colin Farrell, Edward Norton, Jon Voight, Noah Emmerich

Plot: A saga centered on a multi-generational family of New York City Police officers. The family’s moral codes are tested when Ray Tierney (Edward Norton), investigates a case that reveals an incendiary police corruption scandal involving his own brother-in-law (Colin Farrell). For Ray, the truth is revelatory, a Pandora’s Box that threatens to upend not only the Tierney legacy but the entire NYPD.

—-

“Changeling” (October 31st)

Angelina Jolie acting, Clint Eastwood Directing, with John Malkovich also starring… sounds like the recipe similiar to Academy Award winning “Million Dollar Baby”. hmm..

” Changeling” trailer not yet released, but there is a clip to watch here

Starring: Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan

Plot: A mother’s prayer for her kidnapped son to return home is answered, though it doesn’t take long for her to suspect the boy who comes back is not hers.

—-

“RockNRolla” (October 31st)

The buzz is Guy Ritchie is back… (although I liked “Revolver” )… with critics saying this movie is back at the level of “Snatch” and ”Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels”.

“RockNRolla” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Gerard Butler, Jeremy Piven, Thandie Newton, Tom Wilkinson, Nonso Anozie, Charlotte Armer, Gemma Arterton

Plot: In London, a real-estate scam puts millions of pounds up for grabs, naturally attraction the attention of some of the city’s scrappiest tough guys (Butler, Elba) its more established underworld players (Wilkinson), and others — all of whom are looking to get rich quick.

—-

“Quantum of Solace” (November 14th)

This is the 22nd movie in the James Bond franchise, the 2nd for Daniel Craig as Bond.

Watch the “Quantum of Solace” trailer

Starring: Daniel Craig, Mathieu Amalric, Judi Dench, Olga Kurylenko, Gemma Arterton, Jeffrey Wright, Jesper Christensen

Plot: Seeking revenge for the death of his love, secret agent James Bond sets out to stop an environmentalist from taking control of a country’s water supply.

Early reports on new Bond movie

—-

“Australia” (November 26th)

Baz Luhrman’s epic about Australia in the 1930’s/40’s, his first movie since 2001’s “Moulin Rouge”

“Australia” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, David Wenham

Plot: Set in northern Australia before World War II, an English aristocrat who inherits a sprawling ranch reluctantly pacts with a stock-man in order to protect her new property from a takeover plot. As the pair drive 2,000 head of cattle over unforgiving landscape, they experience the bombing of Darwin, Australia, by Japanese forces firsthand.

—-

“Defiance” (December 12th)

Another Daniel Craig movie… and this one could lead to an Academy Award nomination…

“Defiance” trailer at trailerspy.com

Starring: Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell

Plot: Three Jewish brothers (Craig, Schreiber and Bell) escape from Nazi-occupied Poland into the Belarussian forest, where they join Russian resistance fighters and endeavor to build a village in order to protect themselves and others in danger.

—-

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (December 19th)

The minute I saw this trailer I was hooked… there’s a theme here, another movie from an actor already on this list… and this could see some Academy Award consideration !!

watch “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” trailer at trailerspy.com 

Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Julia Ormond, Elle Fanning, Elias Koteas

Plot: Tells the story of Benjamin Button, a man who starts aging backwards with bizarre consequences.

Directed by: David Fincher - “Panic Room” (2002), “Fight Club” (1999), “Se7en” (1995)

Early look at “Benjamin Button”

—-

“Seven Pounds” (December 19th)

( trailer not yet available )

Starring: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Barry Pepper

Plot: The emotional story of a man who will change the lives of seven strangers.

—-

“Revolutionary Road” (limited release)(December 26th)

Another Leonardo DiCaprio movie on this list, this time he’s back with his “Titanic” co-star Kate Winslet… and there’s already buzz about possible Academy Awards.

( trailer not yet available )

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Kathy Bates

Plot: A young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children. Based on a novel by Richard Yates.

—-

Honorable Mentions for the Fall/Holiday Movie Season:

“Lakeview Terrace” (September 19th) – Samuel L. Jackson plays a troublesome neighbor, who is also a police officer… so the neighbors have problems getting anyone to respond to their problems.

“Eagle Eye” (September 26th) – Shia LaBeouf in a thriller, set in the terrorist-anxiety world of today

“Blindness” (September 26th) – everyone is going blind.. except for Julianne Moore… sounds crazy!

“Crossing Over” (October 24th) – Harrison Ford, Ashley Judd, Sean Penn, Ray Liotta in a drama that takes a at the issue of illegal immigration in America, touching on subjects ranging from border crossing, document fraud, enforcement, culture clash, and homeland security.

“Twilight” (November 21st) - popular teen book turned movie with a Grand Rapids native in the cast

“The Soloist” (November 21st) – Robert Downey, Jr and Jamie Foxx – In a drama about a schizophrenic, homeless musician from Skid Row, Los Angeles dreams of playing at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

“The Road” (November 26th) – a father and son try to survive in a post-apocalyptic thriller

“The Day the Earth Stood Still” (December 12th) Keannu Reeves in the remake of the 1951 classic

“Valkyrie” (December 26th) Tom Cruise as a good Nazi?  the 8/14/08 release date moved up

—-

So what did you think?  Please post a comment!

.

** CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MY MOVIE REVIEWS **