While I’m sure everyone is going to be on vacation or out partying during spring break, if you find some free time in your busy schedule, I’d recommend checking out these movies:
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Dead Man Down
(March 8)
Niels Arden Oplev (“The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”) returns with this action-thriller starring Colin Farrell, Noomi Rapace and Terrence Howard. While a stellar cast plus an action-packed plot doesn’t usually make for a great film, there’s something about the style presented in the trailer that’s exciting and, above all, fun. It’s a classic revenge tale, so if you’re looking for something original, this might not be the film for you. But Farrell is always a joy to watch onscreen, as is Rapace. And Howard playing a villain is almost too enticing to pass up. Plus Opley showed himself to be a more than capable director with “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo,” and thrillers are nothing new to him. His style is very dark, but he can always keep his audiences interested. This looks to be the start of a good season of action films, and should make us forget all about “A Good Day To Die Hard.”
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The Incredible Burt Wonderstone
(March 15)
Is it going to be stupid? Probably. Is it going to be a big awards contender this year? Probably not. Is it going to be a fun movie to see with your friends? I’d say yes. The film revolves around two Las Vegas magicians (Steve Carell and Steve Buscemi) who find themselves loathing one another after years of partnership onstage. In addition, they face a threat from a local street magician (Jim Carrey), who might put them out of business if they don’t get their act together. It’s a classic buddy comedy flick, but it appears stylishly original. Carell is a great comedic actor, and Buscemi is just a great actor, period. The trailer suggests they have great chemistry, and it would be nice to see them deliver on that. And finally we see Carrey back in the goofy, comedic role he’s notorious for playing. It’ll be refreshing to see two veterans of comedy going head-to-head in what looks like a fun time at the movies. Plus a supporting cast of Olivia Wilde, Alan Arkin and James Gandolfini isn’t too bad either. This could be the first good comedy of the year.
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From Up On Poppy Hill
(March 15)
Studio Ghibli has not made a bad film, and this one from Goro and Hayao Miyazaki looks like no exception. Taking place in the aftermath of World War II, it follows the young love story of two teenagers caught up in a generation trying to forget their troubled past. As their love begins to blossom, a dark secret from their past threatens to tear them apart. From the trailer it looks gorgeous, and the story is classic Miyazaki (while the film is directed by Goro, the script is penned by his father Hayao Miyazaki). Studio Ghibli never disappoints, and this film looks like another winner. If it’s playing near you, check it out.
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The Place Beyond The Pines
(March 29)
Derek Cianfrance surprised audiences in 2009 with his bleak love story “Blue Valentine.” It was a beautiful, sad and, above all, a powerful portrait of a marriage slowly crumbling as time progresses. In his new film, he teams up with “Blue Valentine” star Ryan Gosling, and boy does it look good. Focusing on a motorcycle rider (Gosling), the film explores his decision to commit a crime in order to support his family, only to find himself under the watch of a policeman (Bradley Cooper), locking them in a rivalry that could put both their families in danger. The trailer looks thrilling and exciting, and Cianfrance has proven himself to be a very capable director. The cast is also includesGosling, Cooper, Ray Liotta, Rose Byrne, Eva Mendes and Bruce Greenwood. It’s stylish, edgy and looks like a satisfying start to the good movie season ahead.
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Room 237
(March 27)
This documentary follows Stanley Kubrick’s horror masterpiece “The Shining,” but takes a clever approach to its subject matter. It doesn’t just talk about the craft of the film – it discusses the hidden messages and themes that many believe are present in this classic film. It takes the words of many scholars, theorists and film enthusiasts who believe they have cracked the true meaning of Kubrick’s “The Shining.” It seems like an interesting concept, and the early reviews are astoundingly good. While documentaries aren’t very popular, this seems like a cool, provocative one to check out.