This week brings us the long -awaited live action adaptation of a childhood classic, an adaptation of a fantasy novel to capitalize on the recent popularity of the Lord of the Rings films and their December releases, and a touching drama about a father trying to make life better for his young son. Overall, it looks like a good weekend for a holiday season. What will you and yours be looking to see? One of the new releases? Or perhaps you will catch up on other recent hits. Maybe finally see the excellent new Bond film, or see the ubiquitous penguins, or maybe even read a Mayan action film?
Charlotte's Web. (2006, 113 minutes, G, family, trailer) This is a release that I have cautiously anticipated since I first heard it was being made. Yes, you read that right, me, the horror guy was looking forward to a family film. You see, when I was nothing more than a wee child learning how to read, Charlotte's Web became a favorite of mine. I read it cover to cover countless times, yet I cannot say why exactly. I am worried that it will feel dumb on the big screen, and a few of the funny moments in the trailer make me cringe, particularly the horse fainting after meeting Charlotte. Still, I think Dakota Fanning is a fantastic young actress and seems the perfect choice for Fern. I guess time will tell.
Eragon. (2006, 99 minutes, PG, fantasy, trailer) I am not so sure about this one. It looks like a cross between Dragonheart and Lord of the Rings, with a dash of Harry Potter. I watch the trailer and the commercials and cannot help but think it is going to be a low rent knock off of those other titles. A couple of co-workers are in the midst of reading the book, and both of them love it, and eagerly await the big screen treatment. I think it will be enjoyable, I just don't think it will be great. I am willing to be proven wrong.
Article comments
1 - Bliffle
I saw "Blood Diamond" today and while it started off great with amazing battle scenes and a compelling story, it soon devolved into Hollywood cliches, like "The Defiant Ones". The poor black actor got stuck with the really gawky scenes (Noble Savage, Hysterical parent, etc.) while Brad Pitt portrayed a really convincing persona, except, of course, for the requisite Cecil B. DeMille ending, where all actors were required to humble themselves before the Great Hollywood Morality Pretense Machine.
But one of the great things about Modern Living is that you can re-edit a DVD to improve it and then send it to your friends with cliches removed. I'm doing that now with the DVD of "Cinema Paradiso, directors cut", which illustrates why editors often improve movies by cutting the directors footage. Too bad I had to sit thru the extra scenes. I hope my friends who receive the shortened version enjoy it: it looks like the original theatrical release.
2 - Chris Beaumont
Interesting, didn't know Brad Pitt was in Blood Diamond. I'm sure you meant Dicaprio.
I am also hoping you are careful how you distribute your re-editing. Meaning, I hope that whoever gets a copy already own a copy, otherwise that is bordering on piracy.