Here are my snap judgments and thoughts on the films releasing the week of May 6th, 2011 (now with links to The Internet Movie Database pages!).
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starring Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, and Tom Hiddleston. Directed by Kenneth Branagh. Rated PG-13.
I haven’t been looking forward to this. The trailers aren’t very good, and Hopkins is involved (usually bad for a mainstream adaptation – see: Bram Stoker’s Dracula, The Mask of Zorro, etc.). Then I read an in-depth review for this comic book adaptation from a friend in Australia. He dubbed it the best of the Marvel films so far! Judging from this review alone, it seems nearly all my worries for how the film could flounder have been ironed out by a noble cast and a gallant directorial turn from Branagh.
This isn’t to say there is no chance this review was written with a bit too much excitement behind it – it’s hard to say. I have been guilty of such, like two years ago when I gave The Hangover a perfect 5 out of 5 stars (It’s still a good film, but not that good). Long story short, Thor won its long battle against my snobbery. Just in time.
GOT ME
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starring Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Egglesfield, and John Krasinski. Directed by Luke Greenfield. Rated PG-13.
Looks to be a pretty standard rom-com and another possibly poor film role for “The Office” star Krasinski. Most critics will probably scratch this off as more of the same light fare that Hudson has taken over starring in since relieving her mother Goldie Hawn of the duties. The trailer makes the film read as a watered down My Best Friend’s Wedding, and that may very well be what we have here.
I have more personal reasons to want to see it. One of my college buddies got her first IMDb cast credit for this flick. Her name is Kirsten Day, and she has undeniable talent at making a presence. Her character in the film may not have a name (“Pretty Brunette”), but I love supporting all of my friends who are able to get a foot in the door.
Oh, and Goodwin (“Big Love“) should do well as the lead too.
GOT ME
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starring Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Angela Bassett, and Loretta Devine. Directed by Salim Akil. Rated PG-13.
I can’t wait for the day Patton is starring in better movies than this. Watch her supporting role in Precious – you’ll feel the same way.
The “different social classes wedding” plot has been done to death. There will be awkward moments. There will be fights. There will be close calls (with the act of running in a bridal gown) that ultimately lead to a happy ending. And there will be Mike Epps, forced in as a feeble attempt to bring the funny. Don’t waste your time – go rent something better. Something like Monsoon Wedding.
LOST ME
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starring Shinobu Terajima, Keigo Kasuya, Emi Masuda, and Sabu Kawahara. Directed by Koji Wakamatsu. Not rated.
The trailer doesn’t give much away, but I’ve investigated further into the plot. I won’t reveal the main twist because it seems against the filmmakers’ wishes. With the new knowledge, I will say this: The film sounds wholly depressing but not without purpose. Perhaps an intriguing rental.
GOT ME
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starring Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, and Jennifer Lawrence. Directed by Jodie Foster. Rated PG-13.
I’m not going to avoid this film because of the many offenses Gibson has caused with his private life. I’m going to avoid this film because Gibson yet again plays a depressed, tortured soul.
After decades of gracing the silver screen, this is apparently all Gibson can do. Virtually every role of his calls for the obstacles to cause serious internal and mental damage. With his formerly private demons now out and about, the recurring theme feels even less like acting and more like a demonstration of a need for psychiatric help. There’s no problem using adaptation from real life to enhance a performance (just look at Katharine Hepburn in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner), but it shouldn’t be every performance.
Sorry, Jodie.
LOST ME
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Come back the following Monday for the next GOT ME/LOST ME, and keep returning for more entries in “Meier! in a Crowded Theater.”