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GONE GIRL
The Good: Fincher works harder than most directors out there and has a great style. The book the movie is based on is very strong.
The Bad: Are we sold on the cast? Rosamund Pike is fine, but Neil Patrick Harris is good for TV, and I think Bat Affleck and Tyler Perry Presents are better behind the camera than in front of it.
Prediction:
It will be a strong film because of Fincher, but not as amazing as The Social Network or The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.
ANNABELLE
The Good: Good lord is that a CREEPY doll.
The Bad: The best movie about dolls is Chucky, and even that wasn’t that great.
Prediction:
Deciding the best part of The Conjuring was the doll and not the couple at its center? Reeks of Halloween cash grab.
THE JUDGE
The Good: Downey is one of the most magnetic movie stars of the moment, and Robert Duvall gets to play a stoic proud man. The rest of the cast is also stellar.
The Bad: Multiple writers, plus the director of Fred Claus and Shanghai Knights.
Prediction:
A contrivance fest that is saved by the magnetic acting talent.
ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY
The Good: Parents can go see something with their kids. CGI kangaroos?
The Bad: Pratfall crazy, juvenile story.
Prediction:
Kids will love this, and parents will loathe this after demands for rewatching.
ADDICTED
The Good: Teens need a bad movie with lots of sex to sneak into.
The Bad: Stupid/tired concept, no names, based on erotic novel.
Prediction:
Tyler Perry presents Fifty Shades of Grey. Try again.
WHIPLASH
The Good: Sundance Film Festival star, rising star Miles Teller, JK Simmons, movie about music.
The Bad: Unproven director
Prediction:
I’m hoping this one finds an audience, because the drummer story seems interesting, and Teller/Simmons make for a fascinating pair.
KILL THE MESSENGER
The Good: Amoral true story with real consequences, period piece, intimidating cast
The Bad: Untrusted TV director of political thriller shows (Homeland)
Prediction:
A political thriller that has contemporary tie ins with media and politics. Strong cast and hopefully a twisty story lead to stealthy Argo-like Oscar ascension.
FURY
The Good: A WWII film with a fresh spin, Brad Pitt, David Ayer writing/directing his own material
The Bad: Untested and slightly washed up cast
Prediction:
Pitt will be in top form, Ayer will generate lots of claustrophobia inside that tank, and early buzz indicates Shia LaBoeuf and the supporting cast came ready to operate. High hopes abound.
THE BOOK OF LIFE
The Good: Long time solid animator, spectacular visuals
The Bad: First time director, probably simple story for kids
Prediction:
A good mix of Halloween scares and colorful, exciting visuals. Solid family entertainment.
DRACULA UNTOLD
The Good: We’re close to Halloween.
The Bad: Cast is from TV/bit parts in feature films, public domain movie (as in, no royalties to be paid), first time director
Prediction:
Visuals will be ok, but this is the third date movie you take your significant other to to make out.
BIRDMAN
The Good: Amazing buzz, Michael Keaton in peak form, interesting story, stylistic director, great cast
The Bad: No big stars
Prediction:
Keaton will go all out for this film, and the director will make Birdman a dark morality play on the price of fame.
DEAR WHITE PEOPLE
The Good: Relevant story, single creative mind story, film festival award buzz
The Bad: Unproven cast and director
Prediction:
This movie will be politically relevant but will scare Oscar folk. I’m guessing 2/3 of this will be bitingly satirical, and the final third falls into a plot trap.
OUIJA
The Good: Teenagers can not lie about going to an R rated movie, since it is only PG-13.
The Bad: Abhorrent premise, first time director, no names in the cast.
Prediction:
Be scared…of giving away $15 to see this.
ST. VINCENT
The Good: Bill Murray/Melissa McCarthy pairing.
The Bad: Dennis the Menace premise, first time director
Prediction:
Neutered comedy saved by Murray. Forgettable.
NIGHTCRAWLER
The Good: Jake Gyllenhaal, solid supporting cast, relevant creepy premise, great buzz
The Bad: Unproven connected director with tepid writing resume
Prediction:
Gyllenhaal delivers a juicy hateable journalist in a perverse take on the American dream.