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 January 15, 2010

 

                           

BIG BUDGET FILMS

 

The Book of Eli (R for profanity and graphic violence) Denzel Washington stars in the title role of this post-apocalyptic adventure about a peaceful warrior forced to fight his way across a vast, violent, lawless wasteland which was once America in order to protect the sacred book that holds the key to saving humanity. Cast includes Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Jennifer Beals and Tom Waits. 

 

The Lovely Bones (PG-13 for profanity, mature themes, violence and disturbing images) Peter Jackson directs this adaptation of Alice Sebold’s novel about a 14 year-old (Saoirse Ronan) who observes her grieving family from Heaven after she’s raped, murdered and dismembered by the serial killer (Stanley Tucci) living next-door. Cast includes Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz and Susan Sarandon.

 

The Spy Next Door (PG for mild violence and crude humor) Action comedy about a retired CIA Agent (Jackie Chan) who finds himself again matching wits with his Russian archenemy (Magnus Scheving) after one of his girlfriend’s (Amber Valletta) kids inadvertently downloads a top secret formula. Cast includes George Lopez, Billy Ray Cyrus and Lucas Till.

 

 

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

 

Fish Tank (Unrated) Claustrophobic coming-of-age saga about the sordid sexual tension which ensues when sparks start to fly between an alcoholic, 15 year-old, high school dropout (Katie Jarvis) and her mother’s (Kierston Wareing) charming new boyfriend (Michael Fassbender). With Rebecca Griffiths, Sarah Bayes and Harry Treadaway.

 

The Last Station (R for a scene with sexuality and nudity) Literary bio-pic about Leo Tolstoy’s (Christopher Plummer) later years, highlighting the hedonistic Russian author’s ambivalence about having taken vows of poverty and chastity. With Helen Mirren, Paul Giamatti and James McAvoy. 

 

Mine (Unrated) Post-Katrina documentary examines the bitter custody battles waged between the adoptees of rescued animals and returning refugees of the disaster who want their pets back.