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Movie Watch

Coming to Theatres February 29, 2008
by Chad Boudreau

 

The releases of February 22 had a little bit of everything to offer: Action, drama, horror and comedy. After that particular mix, February 29, at first glance, appears bland. We get six new movies, but four of those are limited releases meaning they might not show up in a theatre near you. Do not despair, however because Will Ferrell’s new movie, Semi-Pro, opens this coming Friday thus ensuring it is once again safe to enter your local cinema. 

 

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Semi-Pro

 

Before the actual trailer was released, we were treated to this teaser and it was all I needed to see to ensure my butt would be in the seat come February 29.  

Not counting Stranger Than Fiction in which Ferrell turned in a believable dramatic performance, I run hot and cold on his body of work. For every Elf there is a Kicking and Screaming, and for every Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby there is a Blades of Glory. I’m hoping though Semi-Pro is more Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy than A Night at the Roxbury.

 

On the plus side, screenwriter Scot Armstrong was also partly responsible for Old School. On the negative, this is the directorial debut of Kent Alterman, who typically serves in a producing role. Working in favor is Will Ferrell whose comedic timing and improvisation can bring at least a handful of laughs to even lame films like The Ladies Man and Superstar, and the fact Ferrell is joined by a supporting cast of comedic talent like Woody Harrelson, Andy Richter, Will Arnett and David Koechner.

 

The premise, if you happen to live in a forest and don’t have an extension cord long enough to power your television or computer, is as follows: Ferrell plays Jackie Moon, the owner-coach-player of the American Basketball Association’s Flint Michigan Tropics. His dream of playing in the NBA becomes attainable when it’s announced a couple of the best ABA teams will be asked to join the NBA. Of course, Jackie’s team is the worst in the league so and it’s up to him to shape his teammates into winners. All sorts of shenanigans are sure to ensue both on and off the court. Plus, we’re going to get plenty of visuals of Ferrell’s lanky, not-exactly-golden-boy-physique stuffed into white tube socks and 1970s era, uncomfortably tight-fitting basketball shorts. What more do you need for a fun night at the cinema?

 

The Other Boleyn Girl

 

If your significant other or current partner isn’t a lot of fun chances are you’ll find yourself heading to The Other Boleyn Girl rather than Semi-Pro this coming weekend.

 

In this period piece, two sisters vie for the affections of King Henry VIII. It’s based on a book, and has been adapted for the screen by Peter Morgan, the man responsible for writing the very well received and enjoyable films The Queen and The King of Scotland. His involvement is a plus. Also a plus is the fact that Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman play the two competing sisters. I couldn’t think of two better young starlets to stuff inside bodice heaving costumes. Truth be told, Eric Bana in the role of Henry is pretty darn delectable, too.

 

All those pluses however take a backseat to an increasing negative buzz that suggests The Other Boleyn Girl puts historical fact aside in order to create a glossy Hollywood drama that ultimately collapses under its own fabricated weight.

 

Chicago 10

 

I like the occasional documentary, but I’m going to take a pass on Chicago 10. IMDB.com says “Archival footage, animation, and music are used to look back at the group of anti-war protesters who were put on trial following the 1968 Democratic National Convention.” Some Internet searching then informs me the initial buzz generated when the documentary opened at Sundance in 2007 has fallen silent, mainly because the documentary fails to shed the light on the conditions that led to the events that occurred.

 

I’m going to wait for the upcoming movie The Trial of the Chicago 7, which is based on the events described in the documentary. It’s rumored to be Spielberg’s next project.  

 

Penelope

 

Filmed and completed in 2006, the much delayed Penelope finally gets released, though it’s a limited one. Billed as a comedy / fantasy, this is a modern fairy tale in which a young heiress born under a curse can only be free when she finds true love.

Apparently, Ricci has a pig’s nose in this film. Yes, a pig’s nose. Also, apparently, Ricci as an actress has quite the fan following. Since she’s never been an A-list actress I’m going to assume her fan following has a cult status. With or without a pig’s nose, Ricci has never appealed to me and neither does this movie’s premise so I’m going to take a pass.

 

City of Men

First, if you’ve not yet seen City of God, I strongly suggest you head to your local video store, find it, rent it and be entertained and emotionally battered. City of God is a prerequisite for City of Men because it is a companion piece. Set in the same god awful Brazilian shantytown where terrible poverty has forced men, women and children into all manner of depravity to survive, City of Men is the story of two boys who grew up together without parents.

 

Early word is it isn’t as accomplished a piece as City of God, but that movie is a tough act to follow considering it is currently ranked #16 in the 250 top movies of all time on imdb.com. Comparisons of the two movies will be inevitable but a reality as horrid as the one faced by citizens living in those communities deserves as much light shed on it as possible.

 

Bonneville

 

It’s no secret February is often a dumping ground for shelved feature films that the studios want to unload. Penelope is one such. Bonneville is another. The latter features three aging actresses (Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates and Joan Allen) playing three aging friends on a road trip to deliver one of their husband’s ashes to a final resting place. Completed in 2006, Bonneville is being quietly released in select markets where such a film might find a viewer. I’d strongly recommend steering clear of this one unless you have to take your conservative mother-in-law on a date.

 

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The week of the 29^th is the week of the limited release, but at least we get some Will Ferrell action to keep us happy. The other goods news is your local cinema is probably holding onto some of the recent Oscar winners so check those out if you get a chance. I recommend There Will Be Blood and No Country For Old Men, though I must say I feel There Will Be Blood should have walked away with the Best Picture award instead of No Country For Old Men.

posted by: lightning at 10:17 | link | comments |
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