From a weekend of numerology, haunted houses, and inept police officers we move on to a weekend of moaning snakes, mid-life crises, and astrological symbols. Which weekend seems to offer up more entertainment? When boiled down to these choices, it's pretty much a toss up.
How about stars? Jim Carrey, Thomas Lennon, and Anastasia Hille against Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta, and Robert Downey Jr. Well, I guess we know where the star power lies, but as we all know, that does not always translate to box office success. What am I saying? I have no idea, all I hope for are entertaining films.
Black Snake Moan. (2007, 116 minutes, R, drama, trailer) From snakes on a plane to snakes that moan, Samuel L. Jackson cannot escape the the slithering reptiles. This time out he is a bluesman living in a rundown shack. He comes across a woman stripped and beaten, left for dead. She is Christina Ricci, a woman who has given in to a wild libido, and Jackson sets out to cure her of her affliction. I must admit, this is a wild looking movie, completely bizarre, and something that I must see. It was written and directed by Craig Brewer, whose last film was Hustle & Flow.
Wild Hogs. (2007, 99 minutes, PG-13, comedy, trailer) What do you get when you combine John Travolta, William H. Macy, Martin Lawrence, and Tim Allen? The latest from the director of Van Wilder, that's what. It is a road film where a group of friends seek to reconnect with their wild side. In their search for excitement, they head out on the road for a motorcycle trip, and are sure to meet up with inevitable goofy hijinks. I like the cast, it will probably be dumb, and hopefully I will laugh. That's all that I hope for.
Zodiac. (2007, 160 minutes, R, thriller, trailer) A David Fincher film is always a time to rejoice, the man makes wonderful movies. Are they all great? No, but they are all eminently watchable. Hopefully, the trend will continue as he turns his eye on the infamous Zodiac killings. With an eye to detail, a good cast, and a generous run time, could we have a classic thriller on our hands? I hope so. The film features Robert Downey Jr., Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Anthony Edwards as reporters and detectives on the case, as the killer claims victims leaving the city gripped in fear. My main concern is the long run time.
Article comments
1 - Jackie
Well nice job on the film critiques but I'm a little disappointed because I expected a critique of Pan's Labrynth. If anything I was able to find out of some new, interesting movies -since I never watch t.v. and get to see previews. Black Snake Moan, 23, and the Lives of Others seem like somethings I'll watch.
2 - Kaonashi
But Jackie- Pan's Labyrinth came out in December, while Chris was talking about movies that come out this week.
3 - Chris Beaumont
Thanks Kaonashi.
Thanks, Jackie. This column benefits my specific area in upstate NY most, but it does cover all the majors that come out. Pan's Labyrinth made it's limited release on 12/29 and came to my area on 1/12 and was included in that column.