The slow period of new movies for September just continues on…but to give you guys a bit of a heads up, it looks like next week might pick up again with some movies I’m pretty intrigued with.
As for this week, a few indie dramas has my attention but otherwise, another strange and mix bag of movies that no one else knows when to release them.
Starting with…..
What’s it about? A newlywed couple finds their lake-country honeymoon descend into chaos after Paul finds Bea wandering and disoriented in the middle of their first night.
My thoughts? A micro horror film like this one can lead to so some clever filmmaking. Yes, it’s one of a billion horror films set in a cabin, but this seems to be aiming to be something a bit more unique than another riff on The Evil Dead.
What’s it about? One couple’s story as they try to reclaim the life and love they once knew and pick up the pieces of a past that may be too far gone.
My thoughts? If you though it was interesting that this movie told multiple angles on the one love story, get this….it originally was two films. One film (titled Her) was told from Jessica Chastain character’s point of view, while the other film (titled Him) was from James McAvoy’s character. And both films were in fact full length movies. The version that is coming out is subtitled THEM, and it’s hybrid version of both movies. While this sounds ambitious, I hope the film (or films) doesn’t feel stretched out and that the version that is coming out this week is a cohesive, complete film. I’m certainly intrigued with the approach, and writer/director Ned Benson got an amazing cast to help him bring his vision to life. (SIDENOTE: Our first of TWO movies that have Bill Hader in them that’s coming out this week.)
What’s it about? Bob Saginowski finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deep into the neighborhood’s past where friends, families, and foes all work together to make a living – no matter the cost.
My thoughts? Some great looking performances from Tom Hardy and James Gandolfini elevate what appears to be a decent looking crime drama.
What’s it about? In an airport hotel on the outskirts of Paris, a Silicon Valley engineer abruptly chucks his job, breaks things off with his wife, and holes up in his room. Soon, fate draws him and a young French maid together.
My thoughts? Intriguing trailer for sure and making one wonder what’s the big surprise hook they are hinting at? Does our main character turn into a bird and the film becomes this Kafka-ish fairytale? I guess I have to see the film to find out.
What’s it about? An American inherits an apartment in Paris that comes with an unexpected resident.
My thoughts? I love Kevin Kline, and he doesn’t get used as a cool leading man like this one anymore. Add to this talent pile Kristin Scott Thomas and Maggie Smith, and you got a film that looks like quite a pleasant time.
What’s it about? The team of people who saved Winter’s life reassemble in the wake of her surrogate mother’s passing in order to find her a companion so she can remain at the Clearwater Marine Hospital.
My thoughts? Well, holy shit…..they made a second one?…..Well, at least it didn’t turn into a crazy weird adventure film with bad guys like Free Willy 2.
What’s it about? Terri is a devoted wife and mother of two, living an ideal suburban life in Atlanta when Colin, a charming but dangerous escaped convict, shows up at her door claiming car trouble. Terri offers her phone to help him but soon learns that no good deed goes unpunished as she finds herself fighting for survival when he invades her home and terrorizes her family.
My thoughts? What feels like a left over from the late ’90s adult thrillers, this…does nothing for me. I’m sure Idris Elba and Taraji P. Henson are good in this flick, but just not my kind of movie. It’s interesting to note that the director is Sam Miller, who has directed Idris in many episodes of his famous BBC show Luther, so that could be interesting to see him do a flick like this.
What’s it about? Having both coincidentally cheated death on the same day, estranged twins reunite with the possibility of mending their relationship
My thoughts? Our second Bill Hader film…and one of his first leading role movies (Voicing the character Flint in the Cloudy with a Chance of Meatball movies aside). You know, it’s interesting to see how SNL actors careers post leaving the show is very different then it was 10-20 years ago. Normally, you have to start with a big broad comedy, then hopefully work you’re way to doing interesting dramas like this film. Instead, the current era of SNL actors have been given the chance to really show their talents and are not pigeonholed into just typical comedy roles. Both Bill Hader and Kristin Wiig were some of my favorite cast members of the recent version of SNL, and I love that they both carved out an interesting film career after leaving the show. My thoughts on this film? The trailer makes it seem like it’s got some cliche indie film concepts (suicide, adultery etc.) though I’m sure Hader and Wiig’s chemistry is going to be the real winner. Hell, that singing sequence at the end of the trailer is pretty much one of the most charming thing’s I’ve seen in a film this year.
What about you folks? Are you excited for Dolphin Tale 2 and you thought I brushed it away too fast? Did you want to find out why Eleanor Rigby disappeared? Are you ready to see some good back and forth banter with Bill Hader and Kristin Wiig? Let us know in the comments below!