After a week that featured no new releases and a week that featured weak new releases, we have come to a week that is loaded with films I am interested in, including at least one that could have an impact on my top ten list. We have fantasy films, Asian epics, teen crime drama, horror, and a touch of dance. Needless to say, it is going to be a little tough to squeeze in all that I want to see, I am sure to miss something. If there is one thing that I hate, it's trying to prioritize all that I want to see. I will have no less than eight movies to choose from. Decisions, decisions.
Alpha Dog. (2007, 122 minutes, R, drama, trailer) Based on the true story of Jesse James Hollywood, a California drug dealer who made it to the FBI Most Wanted list. Jesse James is called Johnny Truelove in the film, and it chronicles how he and his friends kidnap the younger brother of one of his debtors, and how the situation spirals out of control. This features the big screen debut of Justin Timberlake. Surprisingly, he doesn't seem to bad in the trailers. Timberlake co-stars with Emile Hirsh, Ben Foster, Amanda Seyfried, Bruce Willis, and Sharon Stone. This also marks director Nick Cassavetes' first film since 2004's The Notebook.
Arthur and the Invisibles. (2006, 103 minutes, PG, animated fantasy, trailer) Luc Besson makes his return, as a director, to the American big screen for the first time since 1999's The Messenger. The past seven years have seen him fill the roles of writer and producer on a series of fun action films, including Transporter (both), Wasabi, Danny the Dog, Unleashed, and District B-13. His return is a fantasy that blends live action and CGI adventure. The movie stars Freddie Highmore (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Finding Neverland) as Arthur, who goes seeking a hidden treasure to save his Grandfather's home. This leads him to the Invisibles, tiny beings living in harmony with nature. I have not seen much from the film, but what I have seen looks pretty good, plus Freddie Highmore is a wonderful young actress.
Curse of the Golden Flower. (2006, 114 minutes, R, fantasy, trailer) Zhang Yimou's films continue to grow in spectacle. From the wonderful Hero, to House of Flying Daggers, to this, Yimou's films are filled with color and infused with an epic feeling that I find very attractive. The story centers on the struggle to maintain a balance of power between the king, played by Chow Yun Fat, the queen, Gong Li, and their three sons. I have heard that the story is not all that great, but I have to be honest, I am looking forward more for the visual spectacle. This is near the top of my must-see list for the weekend, but isn't quite at the top.
Article comments
1 - John
"Freddie Highmore is a wonderful young actress" yeah shes like dakota fanning but not blonde
2 - PretenderNX01
The film version of "Dreamgirls" does have the characters singing to each other in lieu of dialog in portions 'to propel the plot' as well as having the characters singing when recording or performing music, therefore the film still qualifies as a "musical" unlike "Ray" or "Walk the Line".