July In Film

I figured I would do my July film preview early because the first films of the month come out on Friday and I am going on vacation (to small number of frequent readers, don't worry, I will still be posting while on vacation). I have to say this the weakest looking July in recent memory for me. The number of films I want to see is extremely limited. Here are my thoughts on the full slate of July films.

Films I want to see
2.Horrible Bosses(7/8)-Horrible Bosses looks like it could very well be the comedy of the summer. The early test screening buzz is excellent and the cast is completely amazing. Comic veterans like Jason Bateman, Jason Sudekis, and Charlie Day thrown in with other great, normally non-comic actors including Kevin Spacey and Colin Farell, How can you go wrong with that? It looks to be pretty amusing and I am quite excited to see how this turns out.

1.Cowboys and Aliens(7/29)-Outside of the god awful title, this movie looks awesome. The idea of a western meets sci-fi thing is a really cool idea (unless it turns out to be a Wild Wild West-esque.disaster.)  Jon Faverau's presence as a director assures this film will be well-made, he has turned into one of the finest action directors around right now. Daniel Craig looks like a complete bad-ass in the lead role and Harrison Ford and Sam Rockwell make the cast very well-rounded. Hopefully this will be one of the better summer films.

Films I am unsure about
Larry Crowne(7/1)-Despite a solid cast, this looks to be an incredibly straightforward and lifeless comedy/drama. I will hold out hope due to how awesome Tom Hanks is, but I am not really liking the odds.

The Zookeper(7/8)-The trailer is far funnier than it should be just like the last Kevin James's family film Paul Blart: Mall Cop. I am assuming similar results for The Zookeeper, an average, harmless kids film with a few laughs, but overall nothing special.

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2(7/15)-This is the best looking Harry Potter film in quite some time. But due to my love/hate relationship with these films, I can't get really too excited about this film.

Friends With Benefits(7/22)-Will Gluck's last romantic comedy Easy A was actually very funny. This alone gives Friends With Benefits a shot to be good. I do like Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis, but this could end up a very formulaic rom-com. We will see how it goes.

Crazy,Stupid,Love(7/29)-The trailer looks alright. The cast is solid, but I am afraid this film will have tone issues.

Films that I don't want to see( but will have to anyways due to my goal for 2011 films)
Monte Carlo(7/1)-Selena Gomez in a a rich girl traveling to France, no thanks. I am pretty sure this will be one of the worst films of the year.

Winnie The Pooh(7/15)-I love Winnie The Pooh when I was a kid, but now at 19 I really don't care.

Captain America: The First Avenger(7/22)-This is easily the worst looking superhero film ever. It looks like a complete pile of horse shit.  There is so many signs this movie is going to be awful it's not even funny. First, you got one of the worst directors in Hollywood, Joe Johnston, at the helm. Then, you have the writers of The Chronicles Of Narnia films doing the script. Throw in a cast, that judging by the trailers, seems to be aware how bad the film is. I am a big superhero film fan, but I really do not want to see Captain America at all.

The Smurfs(7/29)-Dear god I can't even believe this is real. The trailers looks like Alvin and The Chipmunks, but with even worse jokes. This looks to be another contender for the worst films of the year.

May In Film

May marks the official start of summer movie season. May is actually the strongest looking month in a pretty weak looking summer(4 of my top 10 most anticipated films of the summer come out in May). Here are my thoughts on the upcoming releases in May.

Films I Want To See
4.Kung Fu Panda 2(5/26)-This might come as a shock to some people that frequent my blog, but I want to see Kung Fu Panda 2. I watched the first one out of boredom during a free preview of HBO a couple of years ago and it was pretty good. The original cast is back for the most part and this should be a good sequel.

3.Thor(5/6)-Thor isn't one of my favorite Marvel heroes, but this still looks pretty cool. The trailers looks pretty great and it looks to be very Iron Man-esque(blending action with some comedy), which is a good thing.

2.Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides(5/20)-The subtractions of Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley and the addition of Ian McShane/return of Geoffry Rush makes me extremely excited for this movie. The trailers looks pretty damn awesome and it looks like it make up for the disappointing (but still pretty good) third film. The only potential red flag is that this was directed by Rob Marshall, who has never directed anything like this before (his previous films include Chicago and Memoirs Of A Geisha).

1. The Hangover: Part II(5/26)-The Hangover is one of my favorite comedies of all time, so naturally I can't wait to see this film. The new trailers look to be more of the same, which makes me even more pumped to see this. This is my most anticipated film of the entire summer and if it's even anywhere close to as good as the original, I will be happy.

Films I Am Unsure About
Bridesmaids(5/13)-I haven't been more split on a film in a long time. On the positive side, it's been getting really good early buzz dubbing it as the "female version of The Hangover" and Kristen Wiig is really funny (she is one of the best parts of Saturday Night Live). On the negative side, the trailers are pretty average and it could too much of a chick flick for my tastes. I'll have to see how it turns out.

Films I don't want to see (but will anyways due to my dedication to see as many 2011 films as possible)
Something Borrowed(5/6)-Generic looking romantic comedy that looks to be eye-gougingly awful, no thanks.

Jumping The Broom(5/6)-Repeat what I said for Something Borrowed.

Priest(5/13)-This look eerily similar to last year's Legion (that can be can explained, it has the same director and writers). It also looks completely stupid. Come on a god damn vampire hunting priest, that's really dumb. The action looks to be dull and the effects aren't even good.

April In Film

This is going to pretty abrevated because the spacing got really fucked up on the last one. Sorry, I am pretty busy and I won't have time to do full explanations.

Films I want to see:
3.Source Code(April 1)
2.Fast Five(April 29)
1.Your Highness(April 8)

 Films I am unsure about:
Arthur(April 8)
Scream 4(April 15)

Films I don't want to see:(but will anyways due to my goal for 2011 films)
Hop(April 1)
Insidious(April 1)
Hanna(April 8)
Soul Surfer(April 8)
Rio(April 15)
Water For Elephants(April 22)
Madea's Big Happy Family(April 22)
Hoodwinked Two! Hood Vs Evil(April 29)

March In Film

March is the month where the bigger and better films start to come out. Studios get out of the typical post-Oscar dead period of the first two months of the new year and begin to release some higher-proflie movies. This March, has some releases I am quite excited for and quite a few that I have no intrest in.

Films I Want To See
3.Battle: Los Angeles(March 11)-This is teetering on the line of me wanting to see it and being unsure about it. Despite my concerns about the director, Jonathan Libesman(he previously directed Darkness Fall and Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning), I want to see this. The second trailer is pretty damn cool and it convinced me this could be good. This could be a pretty nuts alien movie.

2.Paul(March 18)-I am a huge fan of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, it delights me to see them in another. The trailer is very funny and the concept is hilarious. The all-star cast is amazing and there is a huge amount funny and talented people in this.

1.Sucker Punch(March 25)-This is actually my most anticipated before the summer. I am going to be honest, I am a Zack Snyder fanboy. The trailer is amazing, the concept is very interesting and the action looks fantastic. Snyder hasn't disappointed me in the past and this looks to be another hit.

Films I Am Unsure About
The Adjustment Bureau(March 4)-The trailer is alright, but the long delay is disheartening.

Limitless(March 18)-I will say the plotline could be cool, it hasn't really been done before. I have no issue with the cast. My only reasons for concern is the script might turn out to be really shitty. We'll have to wait and see how it turns out.

The Lincoln Lawyer(March 18)-This is another movie that could seriously could either way. The could either be a great legal drama or Matthew McCounaghey could drag it down.

Films I Have No Interest In Seeing(although I will see anyways due to my goal for 2011 films)
Rango(March 4)-Personally, I think looks like shit. It seems like a kids movie that's not for kids and I have feeling this will be a really weird and disjointed film.

Beastly(March 4)-Long delayed Twilight rip-off? No thanks.

Take Me Home Tonight(March 4)-Plain and simple, doesn't look funny.

Mars Needs Moms(March 11)-One look the cringe-inducing title and I instantly knew I would have zero interest in it. The trailer is also pretty weak.

Red Riding Hood(March 11)-I can't even believe this is real. It looks an update of Little Red Riding Hood for Twilight Fans(the director of the first Twilight film, Catherine Hardwicke, explains that).

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid 2: Roderick Rules-I haven't seen the trailer for this, but the original looks really stupid.

My Oscar Predictions

It's the biggest night of the year for film tonight. Here are my thoughts on tonight's awards.

Best Picture
Nominees:
The Social Network
127 Hours
Inception
Black Swan
Toy Story 3
The Fighter
True Grit
The King's Speech
The Kids Are All Right
Winter's Bone

#of nominated films seen: 8/10
Will Win: The Social Network
Should Win: Inception

I think The Social Network will be taking home Best Picture. It's won most of the other top awards including the Golden Globe. Also the Academy loves movies that make a cultural impact and The Social Network did just that. I think Inception should take the award, it was the most original film of 2010 and my favorite out of the bunch nominated. That being said, I would be fine with just about anything that I have seen winning with the exception of the pretentious, underwhelming The Kids Are All Right.

Best Actor
Nominees:
Colin Firth-The King's Speech
James Franco-127 Hours
Javier Bardem-Bitiuful
Jesse Eisenberg-The Social Network
Jeff Bridges-True Grit

# of nominated performances seen: 3/5
Will Win: Colin Firth
Should Win: James Franco

Colin Firth is a lock to win. I haven't seen the film, but I really don't see him losing. All the nominated performances I have seen are great, but James Franco's performance was the soul of 127 Hours. His performance was emotionally deep and really captured the human spirit. I would be delighted if we won.

Best Actress
Nominees:
Annette Benning-The Kids Are All Right
Natalie Portman-Black Swan
Nicole Kidman-Rabbit Hole
Jennifer Lawrence-Winter's Bone
Michelle Williams-Blue Valentine

# of nominated performances seen: 2/5
Will Win: Natalie Portman
Should Win: Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman gave the single best performance of 2010. It would be an outrage if she didn't win.

Best Supporting Actor
Nominees:
Christian Bale-The Fighter
Jeremy Renner-The Town
Mark Ruffalo-The Kids Are All Right
Geoffrey Rush-The King's Speech
John Hawkes-Winter's Bone

# of nominated performances seen: 3/5
Will Win: Christian Bale
Should Win: Christian Bale

Christian Bale was outstanding. He had me convinced he was a crackhead. He is the odds-on favorite and rightfully so.

Best Supporting Actress
Nominees:
Amy Adams-The Fighter
Melissa Leo-The Fighter
Helena Bonham Carter-The King's Speech
Haliee Steinfeld-True Grit
Jacki Weaver-Animal Kingdom

# of performances seen: 3/5
Will Win: Melissa Leo
Should Win: Amy Adams

Melissa Leo was great, but I think Amy Adams was better. Either way, they gave the two best performances in this category and I won't be disappointed in the least bit if Leo wins.

Best Director
Nominees:
David Fincher-The Social Network
Tom Hooper-The Kings Speech
Joel and Ethan Cone-True Grit
Darren Aronofsky-Black Swan
David O.Russell-The Fighter

#of nominated films seen: 4/5
Will Win: David Fincher
Should Win: Darren Aronofsky

Fincher is another lock. He did do a good job bringing the story of Facebook to the screen. That being said, Darren Aronofsky mesmerizing direction of Black Swan should be the winner here. His artistic brilliance really made Black Swan come alive.

My Goal for 2011 Films

Normally within a year I only see about 45-50 movies. Like most moviegoers, I tend to only see movies that interest me and I think I am going to enjoy. For example last year, I saw 50 movies before the end of the year and I ended up liking 46 of the 50 to at least some extent. This year I am going to try something different, I am going to see as many 2011 films as possible. I think it will broaden my horizons and give me more of an idea of what type of critic I am. I think this should be a fun experience even if it means I have to watch some complete shit along the way. Who knows I might a few hidden gems along the way that will sneak up and surprise me. I am looking forward to it and making a year-end list this year should be interesting.

February In Film

February tends to be the gap month between the semi-big films of March and the black hole of January. There always to be a wide array of films for horror films aimed at teenage audiences to high-budget sc-fi movies. This February is no exception and here are my thoughts on this month's releases.

Films I Want To See
3.Hall Pass(February 25)- I am a little bit skeptical about how good this will be considering the Farelly Brothers recent efforts. Hopefully, this will be up there with their greats such as Dumb and Dumber and There's Something About Mary. It does have a solid cast and an amusing premise going for it, I hope it can deliver.

2.Unknown(February 18)-Liam Nesson has turned into one of the most consistently good action stars in Hollywood. The plot line looks interesting and this looks to be an exciting, suspenseful thriller. I trust Liam Nesson and this should be another ass-kicking good time.

1.Drive Angry(February 25)-Yep, this is my most anticipated movie of the month. Nicolas Cage knows how to make a good B-movie and this should be a cheesy, good time. The trailer has all the makings of a good, balls to the wall action movie. The 3D is also very,very good judging from the 3D trailer that I saw with Jackass 3D. I am pretty excited for this.

Movies I am Unsure About
Sanctum(February 4)-The premise is kind of interesting, cave diving could make for a solid adventure. The problem is the trailer looks kind of dull and James Cameron's involvement as a producer makes me nervous.

Just Go With It(February 11)- I am a huge Adam Sandler fan even though he hasn't made a great comedy in 5-6 year. The trailer is pretty average looking and even with inclusion of two gorgeous women(Brooklyn Decker and Jennifer Aniston), I am still a little uneasy about this one.

I Am Number Four(February 18)-Could be an entertaining sc-fi flick, but it looks way too much like Jumper and Push. The cast is pretty weak, but D.J Caruso as the director offers some hope.

Movies I have zero interest in
The Roommate(February 4)-Good God, not another one of these movies. Horror movies that are made for teenage girls like this are always awful and aren't good for anything more than a barrage of unintentional comedy.

The Eagle(February 11)-Looks like a really bland war flick.

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never(February 11)-I think it's fairly obvious why I don't want to see this.

Gnomeo and Juliet-I can't even believe this is a real movie, lawn gnomes in a Romeo and Juliet adaption? No thanks.

Big Mommas: Like Father,Like Son(February 18)-I liked the first one when I was 8, 11 years later I am all set with this franchise.

July In Film

July is one of the weakest July's in recent memory. There are some intriguing films but most of the films just looks like average. Here are my most anticipated films of the month of July along with other analysis on the films of July.
Most Anticipated

4. Despicable Me(July 9)- Despicable Me has an amusing trailer and an excellent voice cast including Steve Carell, Russell Brand,Jason Segel, Danny McBride and Kristen Wiig. Sounds like a winner to me.



3.Dinner For Schmucks(July 3o)- The concept to this movie is hillarious plus throw Paul Rudd, Steve Carrell and Zack Galinfinakis into anything and I will watch it. Another postive is director Jay Roach has a great resume(Austin Powers franchise,Meet The Parents). The only neagtive is the fact that it is PG-13.



2.Predators(July 9)- I am glad they are finally bringing back the Predator franchise in a the right way. After the horrendous Preadtor 2 and Alien Vs Predator films This film looks great and with Robert Rodriguez producing it looks to be in the right hands. Some of the cast does make me a little iffy (Adrien Brody and Topher Grace) but I still have pretty high expectactions.



1.Inception(July 16)-Christopher Nolan is back. The trailers look absoultely spectacular and the concept is quite intresting. Counting down the days for this one.



Films I am unsure about
The Last Airbender(July 1)-I am most likely going to see this only to laugh at it. It really does not look good outside of the effects and anything M.Night touches now-a-days crashes and burns.

Salt(July 23)-Look a really stupid action flick but since I am an action-movie whore there is a chance I will rent it.


Films that I would never see under my own power:


The Sorcerer's Apprentice(July 14)-I like Jay Burchael and don't mind Nicolas Cage or the director Jon Turtletab(The National Treasure films were entertaining.) but this looks like a god-awful adventure film that would be excuriating to sit through.

Ramona and Beezus(July 23)-No Comment

Cats and Dogs: The Revenge Of Kitty Galore(July 30)-I haven't even seen a trailer for this film but the original is one of the worst movies I have ever seen so I want nothing to with the sequel.

Charlie St.Cloud(July 30)-Zac Efron drama nuff'said.