Out This Weekend: January 8-10, 2010

This is a weekend of repeats. We have two typical genre pics, Daybreakers and Leap Year, and one screwy Michael Cera movie, Youth in Revolt. Frankly, not one of them fills me with anticipatory excitement, but we'll take a look anyway.

1. Daybreakers
US Opening: January 8, 2010


Scary vampire movie. Is that enough for you? No? Ok- Just as it was in the case of A Perfect Getaway, the scary movie is not my thing, but in the interest of fairness, it's important to mention this opening. As far as a genre pic goes, this one looks mildly interesting. No, I take that back. I just got so bored writing about this movie that I zoned out on a Bravo rerun and had to go back and watch the trailer again. Not a good sign. So basically, we're looking at a world populated with vampires who have depleted their natural resources- human blood. I hate it when mid-budget studio movies get preachy. I suspect that there will be some resurgence by the few remaining intrepid humans who will overcome the evil bloodsuckers. There. I just saved you ten bucks. You're welcome.

2. Leap Year
U.S. Opening: January 8, 2010

I sincerely hope that Amy Adams' motivation for making this movie was a hefty paycheck. Now go back to the Julie & Julia review from August 4, 2009 and reference the paragraph where I refer to Ms. Adams' character and whiny and hapless. Now replace Julie & Julia with Leap Year and you've got my opinion. It's unfortunate because I love a good romantic comedy, especially one set in Ireland. Matthew Goode, even though he is a skinny Englishman, looks like he might be able to play the part of the rugged Irishman, so maybe....no probably not, never mind. This is going to be a movie I order On Demand on a rainy Saturday afternoon with a glass of wine in hand. That's what it's good for. Don't hope for more and you won't be disappointed.


3. Youth in Revolt
U.S. Opening: January 8, 2010


I still love Michael Cera (see Paper Heart post). I may always love Michael Cera no matter how arrogant he comes off in his interviews, and performances, for that matter. He's perpetually got that "I'm so nerdy and awkward that I must be smarter than you, so I'm automatically cool" thing going on, which annoys me greatly in most people, but only annoys me a little in Michael Cera. What this movie also has working for it is the rest of the supporting cast; Jean Smart- love, Steve Buscemi- love, Ray Liotta- love, Zach Galifianakis- jury still out on him, but he was hilarious in The Hangover. All of that being said, this is still a movie about a quirky awkward teenage boy trying to get laid. Not that that's bad. American Pie was about quirky awkward teenage boys trying to get laid and it's, in my opinion at least, a classic. There's hope that this will be entertaining. There's also a distinct possibility that it will be goofy and overly self-aware, but if you're otherwise caught up on all of the other movies on your list, this one is worth a shot.


Bottom line is that it's an uneventful weekend for box office openings, but there are some solid options already out there and these new additions are just good time passers. Happy movie watching!

Back on the Wagon

Silencing a ringing phone, deleting an inane email, and ignoring idle chatter are all acceptable forms of neglect. Turning a blind eye to the many movies that come out during the holiday season, unpardonable. With that knowledge I vow to get back on the movie picking wagon.


Let's jump into what is currently available at your local multiplex.

1. Avatar

US Opening: December 16, 2009

In case you missed it, Avatar is a huge, major, colossal hit. Worldwide box office intake is already in the billions of dollars. It's got four Golden Globe nominations. Buzz on the street is that it has, and I'm quoting directly from a conversation I heard on the street, "changed movies forever." It's probably worth a trip to the theater. I am, for some inexplicable reason, reluctant to see it. Sure, it's going to loud and flashy and maybe even exciting. I think it's the whole, visual effects situation that's turning me off. If the movie is about the effects, then where does the story fit in? Call me old-fashioned but I'd rather see a visually simple film with a compelling and well-told story than any green-screened after-affected mutation thereof. As always, I'm willing to admit my wrongs, and when I am inevitably dragged to this movie, I'll keep and open mind and try to achieve the level of amazement that has afflicted everyone else, but at the end of the hype, this is going to be a film that is hugely referenced among the comic-con set and vaguely remembered by everyone else. Many (note gross understatement) will buy the DVD and it will sit, unwatched for years until we move on to the next generation of home entertainment technology. Then everyone will buy the new "remastered" version, watch it once, and put it back on the shelf. So, congratulations George Lucas, woops- I mean James Cameron, you've given the world one more thing to dust.

2. Sherlock Holmes

US Opening: December 25, 2009

Guy Ritchie's gift to the world is shirtless RDJ with Jude Law as a stocking stuffer. Thank you Mr. Ritchie. As is the case with all the movies on this list, this is a film not yet seen by this blogger, but I do fully and excitedly intend to see it. It's a Guy Ritchie movie. It's Robert Downey Jr. movie. It's a Jude Law movie. Any of those three statements are enough to compel me to go to the theater. All three together- whew! What slightly scares me is that fact that Mr. Ritchie has turned Mr. Holmes into an action hero. It could be good. It could be bad. It will be interesting. This, unlike the above mentioned blockbuster, will certainly be worth a rental even if I don't make it to the theater and there's a good chance that it will be worth the purchase if I do.

3. Alvin & the Chipmuncks: The Squeakquel

US Opening: December 23, 2009

You don't need my opinion here. If your kids want to see it, take them. Then reward yourself with a bottle of wine when they go to sleep. You've done your good deed for the day.

4. It's Complicated

US Opening: December 25, 2009

It's simple, I want to see this movie. Admittedly, I may have fallen victim to the massive marketing blast, but the cast is stellar, Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin, and the Writer/Producer/Director Nancy Meyers has given me some of my favorite Saturday afternoon movies: Something's Gotta Give, The Holiday, What Women Want, so I feel confident in this choice. At the very worst, you will be entertained in a lighthearted, upbeat, happy ending guaranteed kind of way for 118 minutes. Bottom line, based on star power alone, this movie is worth the one trip to the theater and the many many viewings on basic cable.

Much more to come, but until next time, happy movie watching!