In 2001 director Richard Kelly secured his place in cult-classic history
with his bizarre-romp Donnie Darko. I’ll admit it. I didn’t get it. And
the only thing that gigantic rabbit did was make me crave a bowl of Trix. But
this month, Kelly has my attention with his new film, The Box, which
centers on a young financially-strapped couple (Cameron Diaz, James Marsden)
that’s just a push of a button away from a million dollars. But, they know, if
they go all Press Your Luck on that box’s ass, someone in the world is
going to die. It’s a fascinating premise that promises to have its audiences
engaged in a big-screen game of Scruples. W-W-C-D? What would Cameron do?
November
6th
The
Men Who Stare at Goats (Overture)
No! It’s not the true story of my college fraternity! Though we did love
the farm animals! Grant Heslov’s (Good Night and Good Luck) The Men Who
Stare at Goats stars his pal and frequent creative partner George Clooney
and Kevin Spacey as soldiers involved in an experimental U-S military unit that
seeks to harvest the powers of psychics. This looks very quirky and is loaded
up with even quirkier talent. I can’t wait to stare at a goat . . . again.
November
6th
Precious:
Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire (Lionsgate)
It’s never happened before in the history of cinema and film festivals! But
it’s happened now! Lee Daniels’ new film about an overweight, illiterate and
abused teenager won the audience awards at both the Sundance and Toronto
Film Festivals. Not only is the film generating serious Oscarâ buzz,
Mo’Nique, who stars as Precious’ abusive mother, is as well, for an
image-shedding performance that will make people forget she‘s a comedienne. And
check out Mariah Carey’s impressive performance as a dowdy guidance counselor
and ask yourself, “This is the dumba$$ who made Glitter?”
November
13th
2012 (Sony)
Director Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow) must
really hate the planet Earth. He’s always trying to blow it up and destroy it! And,
in 2012, he gives it a big ole bitty-slap thanks to a Mayan prophecy
which suggests that the world will end on December 21st, 2012. Among
the handful of survivors, John Cusack! I
suppose it stands to reason that one of the Cusacks would survive global
cataclysm, but I was really pulling for Joan.
November
20th
The
Twilight Saga: New Moon (Summit)
When the Vamps are away, the Wolves will play! The Twilight Saga continues
and Edward (Robert Pattinson) is forced to leave Forks, Washington to protect his beloved Bella
(Kristen Stewart) from the hunger of his fellow vampires. Bella is comforted
(Wink! Wink!) by her childhood friend Jacob (Taylor Lautner), who harbors a
secret identity of his own. My, Jacob, what big teeth you have! Excuse me,
Jacob! Did you eat my grandmother? Jacob, cool necklace! Is that a Hartz® UltraGuard Plus®Flea and
Tick Collar?
November
25th
Nine (Weinstein Company)
Like a good little Pilgrim, I have compiled my Thanksgiving menu: Turkey
and dressing, dumplings, sweet potato casserole, pumpkin pie, a couple of
Native American friends and this, Rob Marshall’s (Chicago, Memoirs of a
Geisha) new movie-musical, Nine, which stars Daniel Day-Lewis as
Guido Contini, a film director (loosely based on Federico Fellini) struggling
to make his ninth feature film while balancing the demands of all the women in
this life. Suiting up to sing and dance their way into his hearts… Nicole
Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, Kate Hudson, Fergie and more. Happy
Thanksgiving!
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