Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Kam's Kapsules: Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun

OPENING THIS WEEK
Kam's Kapsules:
Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
by Kam Williams
For movies opening October 9, 2009


BIG BUDGET FILMS

Couples Retreat (PG-13 for profanity and sexuality) Battle-of-the-sexes comedy revolving around four couples vacationing on a tropical island who come to regret booking themselves at the therapy getaway when they learn that participation in the retreat’s relationship counseling sessions is not optional. Ensemble cast includes Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Kristin Davis, Faizon Love, Jon Favreau, Malin Akerman, Kali Hawk, Kritsten Bell, Tasha Smith and Jean Reno.

Good Hair (PG-13 for profanity, sexuality, drug references and partial nudity) Chris Rock emcees this documentary taking a lighthearted look at African-American hair, including styles, straightening, wigs, extensions, salons and self-esteem issues. With appearances by Maya Angelou, Eve, Meagan Good, Ice-T, Nia Long, Paul Mooney, Al Sharpton and Kerry Washington.

Night of the Demons (R for sexuality, nudity, drug use, profanity and graphic violence) Grisly remake of the 1998, high attrition-rate horror flick about a decadent Halloween party at a haunted house in New Orleans where teenaged revelers suddenly find themselves stalked by bloodthirsty demons. Cast includes Shannon Elizabeth, Edward Furlong and Tiffany Shepis.


INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

Adventures of Power (PG-13 for profanity and sexual references) Ari Gold wrote, directed and handles the title role of this musical comedy about a copper miner who takes to the road in search of other air DRUMMING enthusiasts after being fired for tomfoolery that triggers an industrial accident. With Jane Lynch, Michael McKean and Chi Ling Chu.

Bronson (R for sexuality, profanity, violence, graphic nudity and disturbing content) Bio-pic not about Charles Bronson the screen legend, but about Michael Gordon Peterson (Tom Hardy), a British convict who has spent so many years beefing up in solitary confinement since 1974 that he’s lost his mind and thinks he’s the late Hollywood icon.

The Damned United (R for profanity) Two-time Oscar-nominee Peter Morgan (for The Queen and Frost/Nixon) wrote the screenplay for this adaptation of David Peace’s best seller recounting Brian Clough’s (Michael Sheen) catastrophic, 44-day reign in 1974 as coach of the legendary Leeds United soccer team.

An Education (PG-13 for sexuality, smoking and mature themes) Coming-of-age drama, set in London in the Sixties, adapted by Nick Hornby from Lynn Barber’s memoir about a bright 17 year-old (Carey Mulligan) who abandons her plans to attend Oxford in order to entertain the advances of a suave gentleman (Peter Sarsgaard) more than twice her age. With Alfred Molina, Olivia Williams and Cara Seymour.

Free Style (PG for sensuality, mature themes and coarse language) Corbin Bleu stars in this sports adventure chronicling an 18 year-old biker’s quest to win the Amateur Motorcross Championship with the help of his mother (Penelope Ann Miller), his little sister (Madison Pettis) and his new girlfriend (Sandra Echevarria).

From Mexico with Love (PG-13 for profanity, violence, brief sensuality, and drug references) Against-the-odds boxing saga about the effort of a grizzled, veteran trainer (Bruce McGill) to whip a homeless, penniless, orphaned, illegal immigrant contender (Kuno Becker) into shape for a prize fight against an undefeated champ (Alex Nesic).

Peter and Vandy (Unrated) Flashback drama devoted to a jaded couple’s (Jason Ritter and Jess Weixler) deconstruction of their troubled relationship. With Zak Orth, Noah Bean and Tracie Thoms.

St. Trinian’s (PG-13 for sexuality, profanity, mature themes, and drug and alcohol use) Sixth installment in the British comedy series set at the famed school for troubled girls finds the mischievous heroines hatching a plan to steal a priceless painting in order to save their financially-troubled alma mater from bankruptcy. With Talulah Riley, Rupert Everett, Gemma Arterton and Juno Temple.

Trucker (R for sexuality, profanity, drug use involving minors and sexual assault) Michelle Monahan stars in this dysfunctional family drama about a carefree truck driver forced to mature when her terminally ex-husband (Benjamin Bratt) can no longer care for their 11 year-old son (Jimmy Bennett).

The Yes Men Fix the World (Unrated) Guerilla-style documentary about a couple of investigative reporters (Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno) who infiltrate corporate America by masquerading as businessmen in order to expose politicians, lobbyists and other people profiting from Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters.

No comments: