Return of the Western: The movie in '07 that made cowboys cool again--and without twangy country music--was James Mangold's 3:10 To Yuma starring Christian Bale, Russel Crowe and an intoxicating Ben Foster. Bale--possibly the greatest actor of his generation--stars as a rancher with the thankless job of getting Crowe's outlaw onto the 3:10 train to court in Yuma (ahh, now the title makes sense). Inevitably, a battle of wills ensues. The stellar performances by all three leading men are what make this film a hit. It's a steady remake that updates and improves on the original (1957). This film boasts an amazing script with memorable moments--and anexpected cameo from Luke Wilson (wha?)--who knew cowboys could be so captivating?
Available on DVD now
Sci-Fi Lovers convene!: For the sci-fi lover in you, look no further than Danny Boyle's Sunshine, starring the immeasurably talented Cillian Murphy (Red Eye, Batman Begins, The Wind That Shakes The Barley). To put it simply, the sun is dying, and after losing contact and hope in the first shuttle sent to regenerate the star, Murphy's character leads a second team for a last ditch attempt. Onboard, crew members are on edge as they venture into this hopelessly life-and-death situation. Boyle directed the zombie thriller 28 Days Later, and his penchant for unique camera angles and shots translates into this film. Overall, it has difficult moments to follow, but with an unforseen twist, it's definitely a top-notch space thriller.
Available on DVD now
Enjoyable Family Fluff: A romantic drama featuring John Cusack, Amanda Peet and (surprise, surprise) Joan Cusack, Martian Child is about a science fiction writer who adopts a little boy. The problem is this boy claims to be from Mars and therefore, is not properly assimiliated into the ways of normal human beings. Yes, it's actually a coping mechanism, but it's a difficult one for Cusack, even as a science fiction writer, to break. Introducing Bobby Coleman in the title role, this film may be filled with fluff, but it's also a poignant tale carried by John Cusack's endearing portrayal of the man that adopts this lost, confused little boy . If you want to laugh and cry, this is a good watch for any occasion.
Available on DVD Feb. 12
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1 comment:
When are the Academy Awards and who do you think will win?
Dang, who is even nominated???
Which of the nominated movies would you call the "best movies that almost no one saw?" There are always a handful of movies during the awards that I never even knew about, but are real gems.
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