New Movies and Box Office Predictions: Dan in Real Life, Saw IV

Last week saw seven new films enter my local movie scene. Most of them were probably new to your area as well. In a case of feast or famine, this upcoming week we have gone from a large selection of films from which to choose to a mere two. Despite the lack of choices, both of this week's films look good, although, they are clearly targeting vastly differing audiences.

On one hand you have a family oriented romantic comedy and on the other a horror film built on the torture of other people. Well, if these new offerings don't tickle your fancy, you could choose to take in one of the returning films. You could choose the likes of Rendition, 30 Days of Night, We Own the Night, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, The Heartbreak Kid, Michael Clayton, or some other film. Just get out there and enjoy the big screen.

Dan in Real Life. (2007, 95 minutes, PG-13, drama/comedy, trailer) I have a feeling that this is going to be a good movie. I don't know that for sure, but there is something about the trailer that makes it seem as if it hits all the right marks. Besides, Steve Carell could use a good movie to make up for the mistake of Evan Almighty. Here, Carell plays Dan, a single father of three and a popular advice columnist. A family get-together brings him in contact with the woman of his dreams (Juliette Binoche). The only problem is that she is dating Dan's brother (Dane Cook). Peter Hedges directs for the first time since 2003's Pieces of April, which was a very good film. Hedges also co-wrote the script with Pierce Gardner, whose only other writing credit is Lost Souls from 2000. The cast also includes John Mahoney and Dianne Wiest.

Saw IV. (2007, 108 minutes, R, horror, trailer) Many wondered how the series would continue following the demise of Jigsaw in last years Saw III. Well, the answer is that Jigsaw had other games set in motion before he died. A SWAT officer who had contact with Jigsaw in the past is kidnapped and set in the middle of a new set of devilish traps. Plus, he only has 90 minutes to figure it out. Meanwhile, a pair of FBI agents arrive to help go through the remains of Jigsaw's last outing. Darren Lynn Bousman returns to the director's chair for his third go around for the franchise (James Wan directed the original). Tobin Bell reprises his role as Jigsaw, while Donnie Wahlberg, Shawnee Smith, and Dina Meyer also make appearances (some presumably in flashback). None of the sequels has matched the original, and III was better than II. I wonder how this one will fit?

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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