Click on the month to read the previous previews for September, October, and November.
WILD
The Good: Reese Witherspoon really diving into a juicy role; nature is always pretty
The Bad: Screenplay/story reeks of manipulation
Prediction:
Witherspoon is the reason to see this; the story feels like a cheaper version of 127 Hours without Danny Boyle’s visual style and lower stakes.
INHERENT VICE
The Good: Paul Thomas Anderson is a great director, Joaquin Phoenix is a great actor, really specific period piece, great supporting cast
The Bad: Anderson sometimes crosses the cerebral line like with The Master.
Prediction:
Anderson’s latest will be more Boogie Nights and less The Master because of the psychedelic novel it is based on.
EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS
The Good: The bible has a lot of compelling stuff, Ridley Scott directing a Gladiator time frame period piece, Christian Bale
The Bad: There are already 2 very good stories about Moses, The Joel “Brynner” Edgerton makeup
Prediction:
Should be cool to look at, but Scott hasn’t made a great film since Prometheus, and feels like he’s losing his touch.
THE HOBBIT: BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES
The Good: A movie long battle from the LOTR guy? Great idea.
The Bad: More LOTR tie ins to a story that has a different tone than the trilogy? Frustrating.
Prediction:
I’m out on the story at this point, but that battle is gonna be AMAZING to see. Plus Martin Freeman is just so charming.
ANNIE
The Good: For those of you that didn’t see Quevenzhane Wallis in Beasts of the Southern Wild, see Annie just for her. Such a charismatic little thing. Holiday pleasures in a holiday film.
The Bad: Cameron Diaz has a real shot at a Razzie if the trailer is any indication, and ENDLESS YEAR LONG publicity grows tiresome
Prediction:
I’d give the prediction 2 stars were it not for Wallace, who can do no wrong in my book. Expect smiles and a sweet Holiday story.
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB
The Good: Robin Williams in one of his last roles
The Bad: Boring director, lazy writing, wasted premise
Prediction:
If your family likes the first couple, then this one will be fine. Say Goodbye to Williams one last time.
THE INTERVIEW
The Interview – Don’t know what Franco and Rogen are doing here, but it should be funny. If you’re a fan of them, go see it. Though this will end up being their Wedding Crashers probably (the movie that starts their downfall from the comedy troupe center stage: make way for the women).
The Good: Rogen and Franco are funny.
The Bad: Too self aware of a premise, unproven supporting comedic cast
Prediction:
Vince Vaughn and his comedy group (Wilsons, Will Ferrell) were on top of the world when Wedding Crashers came out. Immediately after, The 40 Year-Old Virgin supplanted their comedy troupe with the Apatow era. Similarly, Bridesmaids started the era of female comedy, and this movie will start the long descent of the nerd frat boys Seth Rogen and Co.
INTO THE WOODS
The Good: Fun Holiday premise, Anna Kendrick and Meryl Streep, the director of Chicago
The Bad: Why release a fun holiday musical 6 days after Annie?
Prediction:
Will be writing about this movie being a box office flop, even though it will be charming family fun and riddled with cameos.
HOT TUB TIME MACHINE 2
The Good: Same funny braintrust who did the underrated first Hot Tub Time Machine
The Bad: Yet another comedy sequel, John Cusack opted out
Prediction:
Adam Scott for John Cusack is fine, but it ruins any emotional resonance of the first, which was shockingly emotional. Hopefully there is a running gag or two at least.
UNBROKEN
The Good: WWII story, crowd pleaser around Christmas
The Bad: No names for the leads, multiple writers, Angelina Jolie – director
Prediction:
Emotionally euphoric, but not very interesting.
PADDINGTON
The Good: Kids stories are cute, CGI bears have a good track record, British
The Bad: Unknown director, pratfall based humor
Prediction:
Charming, but more for kids than adults. Hopefully some dry British humor livens up the story.
MR. TURNER
The Good: British Timothy Spall and his scowl, Class structure appalling behavior, great director
The Bad: Too British possibly, extremely low stakes
Prediction:
Spall’s scowl seizes superfluous story.