Last week was a rather lackluster one at the box office. Semi-Pro did succeed in taking the top spot, although its take was about half of what was expected. Will this week see better success? I am sure the studios hope so. Anyway, the slate includes three films heading into wide release, and one more with a moderate release that could go wider if it proves successful. T
he film casting the widest net is an epic set long, long ago. Next up is a family friendly entry from Disney that is sure to bring a crowd. The remaining films have smaller ambitions, yet should still prove to be decent. The biggest thing that I hope is that these new films are watchable and worth spending some valuable time with.
10,000 BC. (2008, 109 minutes, PG-13, action, trailer) This epic action film comes from director Roland Emmerich, who co-wrote the script with Harold Kloser. It is the story of a young man heading into uncharted territory to help secure the future of his tribe. It sounds like Apocalypto run through a cliche factory, but it still looks like fun. Steven Strait (Undiscovered) and Camille Bell (When a Stranger Calls) star amidst a sea of special effects.
The Bank Job. (2008, 110 minutes, R, thriller, trailer) Looking for a good heist film? Hopefully this will fill the bill. The Bank Job tells the story of an actual heist that was never solved. Jason Statham stars as a low-level criminal, approached by co-star Saffron Burrows to undertake a bank robbery. Together with a few associates, they plan to rob a particular bank. He recognizes it as a great opportunity and off they go. However, not everything goes according to plan. I like Statham's acting and I hope he handles himself well here.
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. (2008, 92 minutes, PG-13 comedy, trailer) The trailer for this comedy makes the film look like a lot of fun (in other words, it does its job). It is the story of a nanny, fired from her job with no hope for another post. So, she seizes the day by taking a stolen opportunity as a social secretary for a socialite played by Amy Adams (Enchanted). Sure, it sounds a bit dry, but I bet it is goung to be a fun, lighthearted romp. It is directed by Bharat Nalluri, whose work I have seen in the past in the assassin flick Killing Time, and the decent Crow sequel, Salvation. Considerably different in tone than this film, it will be interesting to see how he handles himself here.
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