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Hot flicks
in the summertime
Summer offers big scares,
even bigger stars and festival favorites
 Dreamworks ‘Collateral’ is one of this summer's most anticipated films. |
Movie video |
 'Salt': July 23 Angelina Jolie is Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent accused of being a Russian spy. As Salt uses her years of training to elude capture, her actions cause concern over what her true motives may be. |
 | Slideshow |
 | December movies James Cameron’s spectacle “Avatar” hits theaters, along with George Clooney, who is “Up in the Air,” and Robert Downey Jr. as “Sherlock Holmes.” more photos |
Even though it seems as if we've been watching blockbusters for months, we're now officially in full popcorn-movie mode. Hope you haven't had enough of big stars in huge movies, because there are still more to come including Tom Cruise in “Collateral,” Will Smith in “I, Robot” and Matt Damon in “The Bourne Supremacy” to name just a few.
Summer is also prime scary movie time with M. Night Shyamalan's “The Village,” “Alien vs. Predator,” and “Exorcist: The Beginning.” And for those searching for a little something different there are some great Sundance favorites including “Open Water,” “Metallica: Some Kind of Monster” and Zach Braff's “Garden State.”
So forget the Atkins diet, indulge in an extra large tub of popcorn and enjoy!
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“The Clearing”
Starring: Robert Redford, Willem Dafoe, Helen Mirren, Alessandro Nivola
Director: Pieter Jan Brugge
The story: Redford stars as a wealthy executive who’s kidnapped by a former employee (Dafoe). His wife (Mirren) works with the FBI to get him back. As each of them struggles separately to come back together, they begin to reassess their marriage. Nivola co-stars as Redford and Mirren’s son.
What’s the buzz: Redford seems to choose very safe projects that never turn out to be super interesting (“The Last Castle,” “The Horse Whisperer”) — it would be nice to see him branch out a bit. The writer and director both make their debuts with this film. This film marks the first time a movie starring Redford was an official entry at the Sundance Film Festival. The man may support independent film, but he doesn’t seem to star in too many of them.
Web site: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/theclearing/
“Before Sunset”
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy
Director: Richard Linklater
The story: Set nine years after their long night together in Vienna, captured in the film “Before Sunrise,” Jesse (Hawke) and Celine (Delpy) meet again while Jesse is in Paris promoting his latest novel that just happens to be about the night they spent together.
What’s the buzz: It’s fairly bold for Linklater to wait this long (the first film came out in 1995) to make a sequel to this chatty romance. And even bolder in this age of special-effects-laden fare to believe that audiences will turn out for a film that is proudly all talk. Still, Delpy and Hawke were so compelling in the first film that it will be fun to see how those characters have changed all these years later.
Web site: NA
“Zhou Yu’s Train”
Starring: Gong Li, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Chen Quing
Director: Sun Zhou
The story: Gong Li stars as a passionate artist who takes a train to visit her poet boyfriend (Tony Leung Ka Fai) every weekend. At first their future together seems assured, but then one day she meets a cynical yet charming veterinarian on the train and everything begins to change.
What’s the buzz: The reason to go see this movie is Gong Li. This glorious star of “Raise the Red Latern,” “Farwell My Concubine” and “Emperor and the Assassin,” just to name a few, is one of those rare actresses who simply takes control of the screen. If the film lives up to her talent, you won’t be able to turn away from this amazing actress.
Web site: http://www.sonyclassics.com/comingsoon.php?filmid=62&page=2
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“King Arthur”
Starring: Clive Owen, Stephen Dillane, Keira Knightley, Hugh Dancy, Ioan Gruffudd, Stellan Skarsgard, Ray Winstone, Valeria Cavalli
Director: Antoine Fuqua
The story: A grittier version of the classic tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, this one focuses more on history and warfare than the magic elements that were the center of previous adaptations. Clive Owen (“Croupier”) plays the reluctant king. Keira Knightley (“Pirates of the Caribbean”) is Guinevere and Ioan Gruffudd (television’s “Horatio Hornblower”) plays Sir Lancelot. “Ella Enchanted” co-star Hugh Darcy is Galahad. The character of Merlin (Stephen Dillane) appears but he’s more of a rebel leader than a sorcerer.
What’s the buzz: Jerry Bruckheimer (“Pirates of the Caribbean”) produced this film, so expect the battle scenes to be long and brutal. Guinevere isn’t eye candy in this version of the story, she does a little fighting of her own. It’s a story that’s been done many times (you may want to check out John Boorman’s “Excalibur”) but one that’s so compelling that director Fuqua (“Training Day”) may be able to add something new to the tale.
Web site: http://kingarthur.movies.go.com/main.html
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“Anchorman”
Starring: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Vince Vaughn, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, Steve Carell, Fred Willard, Chris Parnell, Kevin Corrigan, Chuck D, Tara Subkoff, Maya Rudolph, Steven Root
Director: Adam McKay
The story: Set in the 1970s, Will Ferrell plays Ron Burgundy, the most popular anchorman in San Diego. He may not know what a lead is, but he has a huge audience. Christina Applegate is the up-and-comer — she actually knows something about news — who not only wants Ferrell’s job but to be the first female anchorperson on the station.
What’s the buzz: Ferrell has joined the ranks of the rare post-“Saturday Night Live” success stories. Is he the new Adam Sandler? He certainly seems to be able to tap into Sandler’s audience. This movie has a solid comedy pedigree, with the Daily Show’s Steven Carrell, “Office Space’s” Steven Root and “Best in Show’s” Fred Willard featured in supporting roles. Director Adam McKay is also a “Saturday Night Live” alum (as a former head writer); he will also direct next year’s “Bewitched,” starring Ferrell and Nicole Kidman.
Web site: http://www.anchorman-themovie.com/
“Sleepover”
Starring: Alexa Vega, Mika Boorem, Scout Taylor-Compton, Kalli Flynn Childress, Sam Huntington, Steve Carell, Jeff Garlin, Jane Lynch, Eileen April Boylan, Sean Faris, Alice Greczyn, Brie Larson
Director: Joe Nussbaum
The story: Four best friends (Vega, Boorman, Taylor-Compton, Childress), who long to be popular decide to compete in a scavenger hunt against the most popular clique in school. Vega is best known from the “Spy Kids” trilogy. Boorman played the younger sister Penny in “Blue Crush.” Among the adult co-stars are “Curb Your Enthusiam’s” Jeff Garland and “Best in Show’s” Jane Lynch.
What’s the buzz: A perky movie aimed straight at the tween set; the characters in the film have just completed the 8th grade. This probably won’t hold much interest for anyone over 12. The writer-director team is also a bit untested. Writer Elisa Bell’s best-known work is “Vegas Vacation.” See this film at your own risk.
Web site: http://www.sleepovermovie.com/
“Metallica: Some Kind of Monster”
Starring: Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield, Dave Mustaine, Jason Newsted, Bob Rock, Phil Towle, Robert Trujillo, Lars Ulrich, Torben Ulrich
Director: Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky
The story: A behind-the-scenes look at a band in crisis as they went through one of their toughest years in 2001. The band battled each other and Napster. Newsted walked out. Singer-guitarist Hetfield ended up in rehab. The band came very close to breaking up altogether during the recording of their album, “St. Anger.”
What’s the buzz: Even if you are not a Metallica fan, the filmmakers, Berlinger and Sinofsky, should be enough to pull you into this movie. Their films, “Brothers Keeper” and “Paradise Lost” are hallmarks of documentary filmmaking (and definitely worth renting).
Web site: http://www.somekindofmonster.com/
“Riding Giants”
Starring: Darrick Doerner, Laird John Hamilton, Dave Kalama, Brian L. Keaulana, Titus Kinimaka
Director: Stacy Peralta
The story: From the creator of “Dogtown and Z-Boys,” comes this amped-up history of surfing, from its early Polynesian beginnings to 1940s Southern California to the big-wave riders who made their way to Hawaii in the 1950s. Luckily, those 10 big-wave surfers made a habit of filming their escapades, so you get the actual footage of these surf pioneers taking on waves that reached up to 70-foot heights.
What’s the buzz: Peralta showed in “Z-Boys” that he knows how to bring history to life and make it intimate by focusing on just a few faces from the past. If “Z-Boys” made you want to pull out your old skateboard, “Giants” should have you running toward the beach.
Web site: http://www.sonyclassics.com/comingsoon.php?filmid=83&page=3
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“A Cinderella Story”
Starring: Hilary Duff, Jennifer Coolidge, Chad Michael Murray, Regina King, Julie Gonzalo, Lin Shaye, Brad Bufanda
Director: Mark Rosman
The story: Hilary Duff leaves “Lizzie McGuire” behind with this update of the Cinderella story, where a cellphone takes the place of the glass slipper and the handsome prince is the most popular boy in school (Chad Michael Murray of television’s “One Tree Hill”). Jennifer Coolidge (“American Pie,” “Best in Show”) takes on the role of the evil stepmother.
What’s the buzz: Coolidge will probably be the best part of this film — she mercilessly steals scenes in whatever films she appears (see “Legally Blond” or “A Mighty Wind”). It remains to be seen if Duff can truly move beyond her Lizzie roots. She doesn’t seem to have the acting talent of the other tween queens like Amanda Bynes or Lindsay Lohan.
Web site: http://www2.warnerbros.com/acinderellastory/index.html
“I, Robot”
Starring: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, James Cromwell, Chi McBride, Alan Tudyk
Director: Alex Proyas
The story: Based on the short-story collection by Isaac Asimov, this film, set in 2035, tells the story of a police detective investigating the murder of the head inventor for U.S. Robotics. The catch: one of his robots is the main suspect. Moynahan co-stars as a robot psychologist.
What’s the buzz: Proyas made his name on sci-fi thrillers like “The Crow” and “Dark City.” He has a dark sensibility that seems well-suited to this material. It will be interesting to see how Will Smith’s jokey, catchphrase-hungry style works here. He seems a bit too upbeat for Proyas and for the story. Still the effects should be fairly amazing to watch.
Web site: http://www.irobotmovie.com/
“Maria, Full of Grace”
Starring: Guilied Lopez, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Patricia Rae, Orlando Tobon, John Álex Toro, Yenny Paola Vega
Director: Joshua Marston
The story: The film tells the story of a 17-year-old woman (Sandino Moreno) who lives with three generations of her family in a cramped Colombian house. When she gets a job offer involving travel abroad, she jumps at the chance. As a “drug mule,” she gets pulled into the dangerous life of drug traffickers.
What’s the buzz: This film won the audience award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and won Best First Feature at the Berlin Film Festival. Sandino Moreno shared the best actress prize in Berlin with Charlize Theron. The names here may not be familiar, but if this film comes to a theater near you and you’re tired of the light summer popcorn movies, this could be just the antidote.
Web site: http://www.mariafullofgrace.com/
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“Bourne Supremacy”
Starring: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Brian Cox, Joan Allen, Julia Stiles, Karl Urban, Tomas Arana, Tom Gallop
Director: Paul Greengrass
The story: The second volume of Robert Ludlam’s spy trilogy comes to the big screen. In this installment, the Chinese vice-premier is allegedly shot by “Jason Bourne,” and it’s up to the real Bourne (Damon) to find out who has stolen his cover identity. Potente is back as Bourne’s girlfriend. Allen is the CIA agent trying to track Bourne down. Stiles returns as Nicolette and this time the CIA suspects her of being in cahoots with Bourne.
What’s the buzz: The first film was one of those rare surprises: an action movie with suspense and intelligence. It may not have done blockbuster business at the box office, but the film more than made up for that when it was released on DVD and video. The big question mark here is director Greengrass (“Bloody Sunday,” “The Theory of Flight”). He takes over from Doug Liman (“Swingers,” “Go”) and like Liman, he’s not a director you would normally associate with standard action fare. Hopefully, as with Liman, this will translate into a fresh take on the action.
Web site: http://www.thebournesupremacy.com/
“Catwoman”
Starring: Halle Berry, Sharon Stone, Benjamin Bratt, Lambert Wilson, Alex Borstein, Michael Massee
Director: Pitof
The story: Halle Berry stars as a graphic designer in a huge cosmetic company that is preparing to release a revolutionary anti-aging product. Berry inadvertently stumbles upon a dark company secret and as a result finds herself transformed into a woman with the speed, agility and temperament of a cat. She’s neither good nor evil, but definitely has some scores to settle. Stone and Wilson play the couple who run the cosmetics company. Bratt co-stars as the detective who finds Berry’s cat-like nature alluring.
What’s the buzz: Word of mouth on this film is not good. Halle Berry could do to “Catwoman” what George Clooney did to “Batman” – i.e.: kill the franchise (at least for a while). Changing the setting from Gotham City to Salt Lake City and turning our heroine from Selina Kyle into Patience Price won’t win the film any admirers from legions of comicbook fans. And destroying a good fanbase seems rather foolhardy. But Berry may have enough fans to fill the seats. Director Pitof is a former visual effects supervisor (“Alien Resurrection”), so the film should look terrific.
Web site: http://catwoman.warnerbros.com/
“A Home at the End of the World”
Starring: Colin Farrell, Robin Wright Penn, Sissy Spacek, Dallas Roberts, Harris Allan, Joshua Close, Wendy Crewson, Ryan Donowho, Matt Frewer, Brian Rhodes, Erik Smith
Director: Michael Mayer
The story: Based on the novel by Michael Cunningham (who also wrote “The Hours”), this film tells the story of two friends, one straight (Farrell) and the other gay (Roberts), who’ve been friends since their childhood in Cleveland. They become roommates with Clare (Wright Penn) and together the three of them create a makeshift, alternative family in 1980s upstate New York.
What’s the buzz: The buzz on this one isn’t great. It’s sort of surprising to find a serious movie with stars like Farrell and Wright Penn sitting at the end of July rather than closer to fall. That kind of placement usually means the studio doesn’t have much hope for any Oscar attention. Mayer is a first-time director. Farrell really needs to prove himself as an actor — he hasn’t had a role yet that’s really been a good showcase for his acting abilities (should they actually exist, that is).
Web site: NA
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“Manchurian Candidate”
Starring: Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Liev Schreiber, Jon Voight, Kimberly Elise, Jeffrey Wright, Ted Levine
Director: Jonathan Demme
The story: A reimagining of the classic film (and the original is really worth renting), this film tells the story of a Gulf War I veteran (Schreiber) who after being captured by the enemy is brainwashed to be one of their operatives. Washington plays the commanding officer who served with Schreiber and is still plagued by nightmares. Streep is on board — in the role that nearly won Angela Lansbury an Oscar (she lost to Patty Duke for “The Miracle Worker”) — as Schreiber’s scheming mother.
What’s the buzz: Demme is best known as the director of “Silence of the Lambs” and “Philadelphia.” But in the case of this film, you may want to keep in mind that he also helmed “The Truth About Charlie,” the disastrous remake of “Charade.” Washington takes on the role originated by Frank Sinatra (undoubtedly, Sinatra’s best work on the big screen). Though it will be interesting to see how they update the story, you may be better off renting the original.
Web site: http://www.manchuriancandidatemovie.com/everythingisgoingtobeok.html
“Thunderbirds”
Starring: Bill Paxton, Anthony Edwards, Sophia Myles, Brady Corbet, Soren Fulton, Vanessa Hudgens, Ben Kingsley
Director: Jonathan Frakes
The story: Based on the 1960s British series that featured puppets (with human hands for close-ups), this live-action remake tells the story of former astronaut and entrepreneur Jeff Tracy (Paxton), who with his five kids has moved to Tracy Island to start the top-secret organization International Rescue. Corbet plays youngest son Jeff, who never gets to be part of the action, until criminal mastermind Hood (Kingsley) maroons the rest of the Tracy clan on their orbiting space station. It’s up to Jeff to rescue the family.
What’s the buzz: Though this may attract interest from fans of the original quirky series, it really looks more like a remake of “Spy Kids.” That audience probably hasn’t heard of or seen “Thunderbirds,” so it will be curious to see if this film finds an audience. Frakes, most famous for co-starring in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” helmed “Clockstoppers,” “Star Trek: Insurrection” and “Star Trek: First Contact.”
Web site: http://www.thunderbirdsmovie.com/
“The Village”
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody, Sigourney Weaver, William Hurt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Brendan Gleeson, Judy Greer, Jayne Atkinson, Michael Pitt, Cherry Jones, Celia Weston, Fran Kranz
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
The story: Set in 1897 Pennsylvania, this film tells the story of a small town surrounded by woods. The townsfolk have made an uneasy truce with the mysterious creatures who inhabit the woods and when Lucius Hunt (Phoenix) decides that they should push beyond the town’s borders, the community’s safety is thrown into jeopardy. Hurt plays the town leader. Dallas Howard (Ron’s daughter) makes her film debut as Phoenix’s love interest, Kitty.
What’s the buzz: Shyamalan’s films are reminiscent of “Twilight Zone” episodes in the best sense – they have the suspense, irony and twists that Serling used to serve up, without the obvious gore of some of today’s standard horror films. With Phoenix, Brody and Weaver in the cast, there is top-notch talent here. Expect some squirm-in-your-seat thrills.
Web site: http://thevillage.movies.go.com/
“Garden State”
Starring: Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Ian Holm, Method Man, Peter Sarsgaard, Jean Smart, Geoffrey Arend, Alex Burns
Director: Zach Braff
The story: Best known as J.D. from “Scrubs,” actor Braff makes his directorial debut in this film about an actor (Braff) who returns home to New Jersey for his mother’s funeral and reconnects with his old life. Portman (“Cold Mountain”) plays his love interest. Holm (“The Sweet Hereafter”) is on board as his father.
What’s the buzz: This film made its debut and received mostly good reviews at the Sundance Film Festival. It’s nice to see Portman in something other than a “Star Wars” prequel — it kind of reminds me that she can actually act — and Sarsgaard (“Shattered Glass”) is one of the most underrated actors around. One more note, this film will probably have one of the best soundtracks of any movie this summer as Braff is a huge music fan and packed this film with some of his favorite bands like The Shins and Coldplay.
Web site: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/gardenstate/
“She Hate Me”
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Kerry Washington, Ellen Barkin, Monica Bellucci, Jim Brown, Sarita Choudhury, Ossie Davis, Brian Dennehy, Woody Harrelson, Bai Ling, Lonette McKee, Paula Jai Parker, Dania Ramirez, Q-Tip, John Turturro
Director: Spike Lee
The story: After Biotech executive Jack Armstrong (Mackie) blows the whistle on his corporate bosses, he finds himself in desperate need of money. Former girlfriend Fatima (Washington) makes him a business proposition; she wants him to father the child for her and her lesbian partner. Soon Jack finds himself in high demand by other lesbian couples.
What’s the buzz: Let’s hope the talented Spike Lee (“Do the Right Thing”) can do something with that cringe-inducing plotline. The corporate part of this film might be interesting; the best scenes in Lee’s “25th Hour” (definitely worth renting) were those featuring Barry Pepper in his stock brokerage firm. In an interesting casting move, Woody Harrelson plays Mackie’s boss — maybe we'll get to see some of the manic malevolence he displayed in “Natural Born Killers.”
Web site: http://www.sonyclassics.com/comingsoon.php?filmid=77&page=3
“Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle”
Starring: John Cho, Kal Penn, Anthony Anderson, Dan Bochart, Steve Braun, Brooke D'Orsay, Ethan Embry, Paula Garcés, Luis Guzmán, Neil Patrick Harris, Jon Hurwitz, Sandy Jobin-Bevans, Kate Kelton, Jamie Kennedy
Director: Danny Leiner
The story: From the director of “Dude, Where’s My Car” comes this film about two stoned friends in search of a White Castle burger shack. Cho (“American Pie”) plays Harold, a Korean-American investment banker, and Penn (“Van Wilder”) plays Kumar, an Indian-American medical student.
What’s the buzz: If dopey comedies like “Dude, Where’s My Car” are your thing, this looks to be one of the better examples of the genre. It’s interesting to see actors who are usually in small supporting roles in comedies like this take the leading roles here. Neil Patrick Harris (“Doogie Howser, M.D.”) appears as himself.
Web site: http://www.haroldandkumar.com/
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“Collateral”
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett Smith, Mark Ruffalo, Peter Berg, Bruce McGill, Dennis Farina, Irma Hall, Javier Bardem, Bodhi Elfman
Director: Michael Mann
The story: Cruise stars as a contract killer who kidnaps a cab driver (Foxx) and forces him to drive him to his various hits one night in Los Angeles. Ruffalo (“13 Going on 30”) and Farina (“Out of Sight”) play the detectives who are on their trail. Pinkett-Smith plays one of the targets on Cruise’s hit list.
What’s the buzz: The best reason to see this movie is director Michael Mann (“The Insider,” “Manhunter,” “Heat”). He knows how to tell a compelling story — I would argue that “Manhunter” is actually scarier than “Silence of the Lambs” even though it looks like an episode of “Miami Vice” (which Mann produced) — plus his films are always visually interesting. Despite Foxx’s misstep with “Breakin’ All the Rules,” he still seems destined to be a star. This role should play to the same strengths Cruise used in “Minority Report.” As an actor, the man only has two acting speeds: intense and more intense.
Web site: http://www.collateral-themovie.com/
“Code 46”
Starring: Tim Robbins, Samantha Morton, Om Puri, Jeanne Balibar, Togo Igawa, Essie Davis, Nina Fogg, Bruno Lastra, Emil Marwa,Nabil Massad, Taro Sherabayani, Christopher Simpson, Benedict Wong 
Director: Michael Winterbottom
The story: Set in unnamed future where travel between city-states is strictly limited by checkpoints and paperwork (called “papellas”), Tim Robbins stars as an investigator who falls in love with a woman (Morton) who may be making fake “papellas.” When he tries to use one of the fakes to visit her again, he finds himself accused of a “Code 46” violation.
What’s the buzz: Michael Winterbottom is definitely not a one-trick pony. Last year’s wonderful “In this World” stands in sharp contrast to the hyperbolic “24-Hour Party People.” The nice thing about Winterbottom’s work is that you’re not going to get a rehash of earlier films the way you do with some directors. But will this effort be too earnest to prove interesting?
Web site: NA
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“Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement”
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, Hector Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo, John Rhys-Davies, Callum Blue, Caroline Goodall, Sean O'Bryan, Joel McCrary, Chris Pine
Director: Gary Marshall
The story: In this sequel, Mia (Hathaway) travels to Genovia to claim her throne. Unfortunately, there’s a catch. She has to be married in 30 days or else she has to relinquish the throne to Sir Nicolas (Pine). Will she find true love with Andrew (“Dead Like Me” co-star Blue) or will she find herself drawn to Sir Nicolas. Andrews is back as Queen Clarisse and Matarazzo returns as Mia’s best friend Lily.
What’s the buzz: This sequel seems built for those who enjoyed the original and unlikely to attract anyone else. But it’s always good to see Julie Andrews on screen. Garry Marshall is the kind of director whose films are so sugary sweet that they may leave you with the need to brush your teeth afterwards.
Web site: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/main.html
“Danny Deckchair”
Starring: Rhys Ifans, Miranda Otto, Justine Clarke, Rhys Muldoon, John Batchelor, Alan Flower, Jules Sobotta, Brian Langsworth
Director: Jeff Balsmeyer
The story: After a fight with his girlfriend (Clarke), a cement truck driver in Australia (Ifans) decides to tie a bunch of balloons to a deck chair in an attempt to get away from his suburban prison. A thunderstorm pushes him off course and into the life of a traffic cop (Otto), who he promptly falls in love with. In his absence, he’s become a national sensation and everyone is trying to find him.
What’s the buzz: Ifans (“Human Nature,” “Notting Hill”) is a great comic actor who’s always fun to watch and Otto was one of the standouts from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy (she played Eowyn). The movie looks to be the typical charming British comedy along the same lines as “Waking Ned Devine” or “Saving Grace.” Standard light comedy.
Web site: http://www.dannydeckchair.com/index_flash.html
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“Alien vs. Predator”
Starring: Sanaa Lathan, Raoul Bova, Lance Henriksen, Ewen Bremner, Colin Salmon, Agathe De La Boulaye, Tommy Flanagan, Carsten Norgaard, Joseph Rye, Sam Troughton, Tom Woodruff Jr.
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
The story: While on a drilling expedition in Antartica, a team of scientists stumble across the ruins of ancient pyramids. Deep inside the ruins lurk the Aliens. Meanwhile, a group of five Predators come to earth to go through their adolescent hunting ritual. What will happen when the Aliens clash with the Predators? And will any of the humans, including the billionaire team leader (Henriksen, playing the human version of his Bishop character from “Aliens” fame) survive?
What’s the buzz: This movie screams: Guilty Pleasure. Just for the record, my money is on the Aliens (though maybe it’s just because I like those movies better). In the spirit of the old “Godzilla vs. King Kong” flicks, here’s another match-up of supervillians. The same folks who lined up to see Freddy take on Jason, should be back for a second helping with this film.
Web site: http://www.avp-movie.com/
“Yu-Gi-Oh!”
Starring: Dan Green, Wayne Grayson, Amy Birnbaum, Eric Stuart
Director: Ryosuke Takahashi
The story: Based on the popular kids’ television series (and trading cards), this is the story about the rise of the evil Anibus in Egypt and Yugi’s quest to defeat it. Yugi is a spikey-haired blond who battles using ancient Egyptian cards. The animation here is traditional Japanese anime style.
What’s the buzz: For angry teen “Pokemon” fans who’d like something a little darker. The rebellious pre-teen in your life will probably want to check it out.
Web site: NA
“We Don’t Live Here Anymore”
Starring: Naomi Watts, Laura Dern, Pater Krause, Mark Ruffalo
Director: John Curran
The story: Two couples who are extremely good friends complicate their lives when one husband (Krause of television’s “Six Feet Under”) makes a pass at Dern (“Citizen Ruth”), while the other husband (Ruffalo) may be having an affair with Watts (“21 Grams”).
What’s the buzz: Larry Gross’ screenplay won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at Sundance. The screenplay is based on stories by Andre Dubus (whose work was also the source material for “In the Bedroom”). Ruffalo (“In the Cut”) is quickly becoming one of the best young actors around; he has both versatility and charisma (a rare Hollywood combo). The rest of the cast here is excellent as well. But will audiences want to sit through two hours of marital discord?
Web site: NA
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“Open Water”
Starring: Blanchard Ryan, Daniel Travis, Saul Stein, Estelle Lau, Michael E. Williamson, Cristina Zenaro, John Charles
Director: Chris Kentis
The story: Based on a true story, a husband and wife go scuba diving with a large group only to be accidentally left behind by their tour guide in shark-infested waters. Can they survive alone bobbing in the ocean for 24 hours?
What’s the buzz: This film could be this year’s “Blair Witch Project.” It has all the right ingredients: people who are lost, major league scares, a tiny budget and great word of mouth. Just when you thought it was safe to go scuba diving…
Web site: http://www.openwatermovie.com/
“Hero”
Starring: Jet Li, Tong Leung Chiu-Wai, Maggie Cheung Man-Yuk, Zhang Ziyi, Chen Dao Ming, Donnie Yen, Liu Zhong Yuan, Zheng Tia Yong, Qin Yan, Chang Xiao Yang, Zhang Ya Kun, Ma Wen Hua, Jin Ming
Director: Zhang Yimou
The story: A nameless hero (Li) in ancient China goes up against three assassins in order to save Emperor Qin (Chen Dao Ming). Maggie Cheung Man-Yuk and Tony Leung Chiu Wai (both starred in “In the Mood for Love”) play two of the assassins. Zhang Ziyi (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”) plays Cheung’s devoted servant, Moon.
What’s the buzz: Quentin Tarantino worked hard to get this film released in the states. An all-around amazing cast here. Li (“Swordsman II,” “Tai-Chi Master”) does fantastic martial arts moves (aided by some strategically located wires, of course). U.S. filmmakers just don’t do action with the same sweet abandon that they do in China and Hong Kong. Director Yimou also made the wonderful film “Raise the Red Lantern.” His latest, “House of the Flying Daggers” made a big splash at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Web site: http://www.herothemovie.com/
“Exorcist: The Beginning”
Starring: Stellan Skarsgård, Isabella Scorupco, Alessandra Martines, James D'Arcy, Ilario Bisi-Pedro, Ralph Brown, Alan Ford, Andrew French, Antonie Kamerling, Eddie Osei, Julian Wadham
Director: Renny Harlin
The story: This prequel to the original film tells the story of Father Lankester Merrin (Max von Sydow in the original film, Skarsgård in this version) and his journey to post-World War II Africa. As a young missionary, he has his first encounter with demons.
What’s the buzz: Some films just seem cursed from the get-go. John Frankenheimer (“The Manchurian Candidate”) was set to direct this film but then passed away unexpectedly. Paul Schrader (“Auto Focus,” “Affliction”) came on board, shot the entire movie and then was summarily dismissed because his version was deemed too psychological rather than flat-out scary. Renny Harlin (“Cutthroat Island”) then came in and did a 100 percent reshoot of the entire film. Does this sound like the makings of a successful movie? Not likely. Scharder fans will get to see his version as Warner Bros plans to release it on DVD.
Web site: http://exorcistthebeginning.warnerbros.com/
“Without a Paddle”
Starring: Seth Green, Matthew Lillard, Dax Shepard, Ethan Suplee, Abraham Benrubi, Rachel Blanchard, Burt Reynolds, Christina Moore, Bonnie Somerville, Danielle McCormack, Liddy Holloway, Morgan Reese Fairhead, Mia Blake, Tony Brown, Kody Shaw, Cameron Wakefield
Director: Steven Brill
The story: A comic take on “Deliverance” (yes, you read that correctly), this film tells the story of three young guys (Green, Lillard and Shepard) who take a canoe trip in Washington to search for a famous airline hijacker’s lost loot. Things go frightfully, yet comically, wrong in the course of their trip. Burt Reynolds plays one of the crazy mountain men the boys have a run in with.
What’s the buzz: Green and Lillard last stared together in “Scooby-Doo 2.” Writer Fred Wolf penned “Deuce Bigalow, Male Gigolo” while Brill directed both “Little Nicky” and “Mr. Deeds.” If those facts aren’t enough to scare you away from this film, then you’re probably the intended audience. One more tidbit, Shepard is best known as one of the “actors” from MTV’s prank show, “Punk’d.” Yikes.
Web site: NA
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“Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid”
Starring: Nicholas Hope, Peter Curtin, Eugene Byrd, Morris Chestnut, Nicholas Gonzalez, Matthew Marsden, Johnny Messner, Salli Richardson, Kadee Strickland, Maria Theodorakis, Karl Yune
Director: Dwight H. Little
The story: A scientific expedition goes to Borneo in search of the Blood Orchid, which supposedly holds the secrets of youth and immortality. After an accident on the river, the expedition gets stranded. But they aren’t alone. A swarm of giant snakes is protecting — and gaining strength and size — from the Blood Orchid.
What’s the buzz: With five credited (and who knows how many uncredited) writers on this project and a director who’s best known for helming “Murder at 1600” and “Free Willy 2,” it’s hard to imagine this is going to be anything but awful. However, the original film was a surprise hit. It boasted Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube and a scenery-chewing performance from Jon Voight; this sequel’s biggest star is probably Chesnut (“Breakin’ All the Rules”).
Web site: http://sonypictures.com/movies/anacondas/
“Benji: Off the Leash”
Starring: Benji, Nick Whitaker, Chris Kendrick, Christy Summerhays, Neil Barth, Randall Newsome, Duane Stephens, Carlton W. Bluford, Nate Bynum, Melinda Clarkson-Haynes, Lincoln Hoppe
Director: Joe Camp
The story: Benji, pal Shaggy (another stray) and a belligerent cockatoo work to save Benji’s mother from a greedy backyard breeder (Kendrick). The breeder’s son Colby (Whitaker) helps the animal pals in their quest.
What’s the buzz: There’s something incredibly nostalgic about a “Benji” movie: no CGI, no talking dogs, no animation. This is the kind of movie that, if you’re my age (somewhere in the late Gen-X range), you probably watched as a kid. That doesn’t mean it will be good — in fact count on it to be corny — but it does mean that it will be safe film for the kids. Original “Benji” director, Joe Camp, is back on board for this one. The new Benji dog is no relation to the original dog.
Web site: http://www.benjireturns.com/
Paige Newman is the Movies Editor for MSNBC.com.
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