If you're even remotely interested in going out to the movies this weekend, there is absolutely no shortage of new and awesome films dominating the cinemas.What's new this week:
There Will Be Blood (****) - To prove how much of a cinemaphile I truly am, I ventured over to Vancouver last weekend for a screening of Paul Thomas Anderson's first film in over five years. He doesn't knock them as quickly as Allen, so doing so for my favorite director working today I have no problem with. Daniel Day Lewis gives a legendary performance as an oil tycoon in the early 20th century, and that description is a very timid one to a spectacular piece of work that will live on for years instead of in its first weekend. (Odeon)
The Savages (****) - Fox Searchlight is putting so much energy into promoting "Juno" (and good for them), and yet they also have this other great film in release, a human comedy about two siblings (Phil Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney) who are forced to move their father into a nursing home. (Like with The Orphanage last week, this is inexplicably playing at the University 4. This one belongs downtown where it will draw a much larger crowd.)
The Great Debaters - Last fall, everyone was touting Denzel Washington's performance in "American Gangster" as Oscar bait, and now he's directed and starring in "The Great Debaters", about a debate team from a small Texas college in the 1930's. Forest Whitaker has also been receiving raves for his work, as is Washington's direction. I for one am very much looking forward to seeing it. (UPDATE: Apparently this picture didn't open and will most likely open on the 25th. After all, it IS a busy weekend.)
27 Dresses - Aww, doesn't it all look so cutesy and adorable. Katherine Heigl has been the bridesmaid to 27 other weddings, but hasn't had her own. So that immediately means that she will become married in this film. The trailer is filled with every single bad romantic comedy moment, from the banging of a bell when a character promises to kick another's ass (ding!) and when an older women is told how much hot sex she gets to have (double ding!). (Odeon, Silvercity)
Mad Money - I saw the trailer for this Diane Keaton/Katie Holmes/Queen Latifah comedy before a trailer for "The Golden Compass", felt it looked bloody lousy and have been lucky to not have seen any trailers or TV spots since. If you're even thinking of seeing this movie on the weekend...why? There are so many other great films listed here that you should be seeing.
Cloverfield - I'm quite interested in seeing this horror-film-shot-on-a-camcorder which has had the words "J.J. Abrahams" all over the posters and advertisements, along with an image of a beheaded Statute of Liberty. Fellow efilmcritic writer William Goss told me to "see it with a big audience and stay for the credits." Naturally I like the credits, but just as long as that audience is not constantly talking out loud and texting on their cell phones, I'll be fine.
What else you should be seeing:
I also saw The Orphanage last week and found it a surprisingly haunting thriller that had a few genuine jolts along with some deeply powerful performances. It's still at the University 4, oddly enough. Juno also rages on at the Odeon and Silvercity and is a tremendously funny character comedy. The great Atonement, which recently won the Golden Globe for Best Drama, continues at the Odeon. No Country For Old Men continues at the Odeon, which also won GG's for screenplay and for Javier Bardem. And everyone is seeing Rob Reiner's good-but-not-great The Bucket List (the film I've been asked the most about this week) which is still playing all over town. I really wish you'd see any of the other recommended films on this list, however.
Screenings:
20h17 Rue Darling at Movie Monday: A man who has spent most of his life feeling numb to the world has his eyes opened by a brush with tragedy. This mystery / drama follows an ex-crime Bernard Émondreporter, struggling to stay on the sobriety wagon, who, because of a simple chance, arrives at his address just after his apartment building has been destroyed by an explosion. He reluctantly picks up his investigative skills to attempt to solve the mystery of how it happened, but is haunted by deeper and intensely personal questions. Why did he survive when neighbours didn't? What is the meaning of life itself?Bernard Emond will be also participating in a phone interview with MM host Bruce Saunders.
The Darjeeling Limited at Cinecenta -- If you missed it during its brief run at the Odeon, here's another chance to see Wes Anderson's new film about the experiences of three brothers as they travel across India. Plays Friday and Saturday (and if you feel like doubling it up with the kid matinee of Martian Child, by all means...just don't invite me!).
Full showtimes, as always, at tribute.ca
Jason
The Victoria Cinemaphile
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