15.
Dark Shadows
May 11
Strangely enough, I received an email just yesterday concerning this movie from a fan of the original, late 1960s “Dark Shadows” television show. His major issue is the departure in tone this adaptation appears to take and it’s a concern I’ve seen from others as well, largely based on the comedic additions. I, however, have never seen the original television show so I won’t be coming at this film from that perspective.
My interest here is entirely based on seeing a few trailers, one of which is directly above, and what looks to be a solid blend of comedy and (hopefully) horror and hopefully something of a reinvention for Tim Burton, or at least a return to when his films at least felt somewhat unique. In recent years his pictures have felt like they were made by a young director who has seen too many Tim Burton films and is trying to copy them. The appearance is spot on, and even Johnny Depp is in them all, but the passion for story and the fun has been missing. Here’s to hoping the fun has returned and the fans of the original franchise won’t be disappointed either.
14.
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World
June 22
Not only does this look funny I feel like it will carry a strong emotional wallop in the end, or at least a solid, satisfying and emotionally heartfelt ending. The best thing I see is that the comedy lends itself well to the plot line rather than feeling forced, even the Patton Oswalt portion of the trailer seems legitimate enough despite the admittedly, over the top diseases bit thrown in for good measure. I can accept that.
Steve Carell is an actor that can walk that comedy/drama line well enough and I don’t expect Keira Knightley will be asked to carry too much of the comedic load.
Writer/director Lorene Scafaria penned the disappointing Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, which had a problem with telling any kind of real story, but this one doesn’t appear to have that problem. The apocalypse is on the horizon, what do you do? Like I said, the comedy can lend itself well to that premise along with plenty of drama and potential tragedy. I look forward to seeing what all it has to offer.
13.
The Campaign
August 10
I don’t know much more about The Campaign than the original short synopsis tells me, which is Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis star as dueling small-town Southern politicians. Of course, the studio has released a longer synopsis, which I don’t need to (and will note) read. Tthe idea of those two playing a pair of Southern politicians is all I need, but if you’d like more here you go:
When long-term congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) commits a major public gaffe before an upcoming election, a pair of ultra-wealthy CEOs plot to put up a rival candidate and gain influence over their North Carolina district. Their man: naïve Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis), director of the local Tourism Center. At first, Marty appears to be the unlikeliest possible choice but, with the help of his new benefactors’ support, a cutthroat campaign manager and his family’s political connections, he soon becomes a contender who gives the charismatic Cam plenty to worry about. As Election Day closes in, the two are locked in a dead heat, with insults quickly escalating to injury until all they care about is burying each other, in this mud-slinging, back-stabbing, home-wrecking comedy from “Meet the Parents” director Jay Roach that takes today’s political circus to its logical next level. Because even when you think campaign ethics have hit rock bottom, there’s room to dig a whole lot deeper.
Jason Sudeikis, Katherine LaNasa, Dylan McDermott, John Lithgow, Dan Aykroyd and Brian Cox co-star with Austin Powers and Meet the Parents franchise helmer Jay Roach directing.
12.
The Dictator
May 16
It was the moment in the helicopter at the end of the trailer above that convinced me I needed to see this movie. At first it seemed as if Sacha Baron Cohen was simply rehashing the Borat and Bruno approach to comedy — and touches of that are clearly here — but overall it seems like he has left that behind.
11.
Beasts of the Southern Wild
June 27
The buzz out of Sundance was impressive and it has since earned a spot at the the poster for the film, for the majority of the cast and director Benh Zeitlin, this is their first feature film.
Something about overwhelming acclaim and appreciation and work from young talent gets me excited and with Beasts of the Southern Wild also set for both the Seattle and Los Angeles Film Festivals it is clearly a film to look out for.
