Posted on 01/01/2005 2:06:28 PM PST by dware
2005 is set to be an interesting year in terms of movie releases. Of course, the big story of '05 will be the release of the third and final 'prequel' to the Star Wars dynasty, "Revenge of the Sith", and you can bet I'll be there. But aside from that blockbuster, there are sure to be some hits, and HUGE misses, with the following releases:
1. "Son of the Mask" (Jamie Kennedy, Ben Stein) - The plot: Aspiring cartoonist Tim Avery (Kennedy) finds himself in a predicament when his infant son finds the mask of Loki.
Let's face a fact here. Sequels are very seldom as good as the first movie. I remember the release of the original "Mask", which I thought was well done and a good movie overall. Of course, with Jim Carrey in the lead role, it's hard not to have a hit on your hands. This third installment, however, looks to be a formulaic piece of drivel churned out by Hollywoodland in a very lame attempt to make a few extra bucks. It's a shame, really, to see Hollywood doing something like this with an otherwise interesting story line. Whatever happened to making movies out of love for the art?
My prediction: The American public will eat it up, but the film will leave a lot to be desired. There is just no replacing Carrey, particularly with Jamie Kennedy. 2 out of 5 stars.
2. "XXX: State of the Union" (Ice Cube, Samuel L. Jackson, Xzibit) - The plot: Darius Stone (Ice Cube), a new agent in the XXX program, is sent to Washington, DC to diffuse a power struggle amongst national leaders. Tagline: Prepare for the Next Level.
What can I say, other than I am always a little leary about Hollywood making movies that deal heavily with Washington politics. After all, the ultra-left wing of Hollywood is where the decisions are made, and the result is almost always the same: Conservatives are painted as stupid, moronic, uncaring, ignorant know-it-alls (see "The Day After Tomorrow", or don't, because it's a waste of time!). I will however, reserve judgement until I have seen the film.
My prediction: Although Ice Cube has certainly turned out to be an interesting actor, without the drawing power of actor Vin Diesel, who played the XXX character in the first film, I am afraid this film will be relegated to the same fate as so many sequels thrown together in an effort to play off the original. I do hope that Hollywood stays away from playing the political game mentioned above, and instead allows the actors to carry the film. At the same time, however, I am a little concerned this may end up like "Fast & the Furious", which was a good story and fair acting, particularly on the part of Diesel. "2 Fast, 2 Furious" on the other hand, was a pop-icon laden, badly written piece filmmaking (?), hoping to ride on the laurels of the first. In any event, I am looking forward to this release. 3 out of 5 stars.
3. "Batman Begins" (Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, Liam Neeson) - The plot: This is how it all began, the story of how Bruce Wayne (Bale) became Batman.
I have always been a huge fan of the Batman movies, regardless of how cheesy they were (and let's face it, George Clooney as Batman? Puleeze!). But there's no denying Batman his place in comic book history. Top that with an all star line-up such as this movie, and you could have the makings of a hit. On the other hand, Director Christopher Nolan (Insomnia, Memento) has some pretty big shoes to fill.
My predictions: My only fear is that this movie may be trying to make up for a lack of direction by Nolan by filling it with so many top-billed actors. I have a feeling this one is either going to be a huge hit for Nolan, or a big stain on his career. He has yet to really do anything on a scale such as this, and his past movies have been mediocre at best. This one is going to be interesting. Because this story is a 'prequel' of sorts to the previous 'Batman' films, Christian Bale is probably a good choice for the role. Like Nolan, Bale (Reign of Fire, Midsummer's Night's Dream, Swing Kids) has yet to play a really great character. Perhaps this will be his film. 3 out of 5 stars.
4. "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" (Martin Freeman, Mos Def, Sam Rockwell) - The plot: Mere seconds before the Earth is to be demolished by an alien construction crew, journeyman Arthur Dent (Freeman) is swept off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect (Mos Def), a researcher penning a new edition of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."
I am looking forward to this film almost as much as "Revenge of the Sith". This cult classic certainly merits a remake, though I have no immediate misgivings about the original. Director Garth Jennings (Shaun of the Dead) seems to have a good eye for film, though he has yet to be tested by a really good story.
My predictions: The general movie going public will not be able to completely grasp the gravity of this film. It is and always will remain a cult classic, so don't expect huge box office returns. Some people just don't get it. 4 out of 5 stars.
5. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Freddie Highmore, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Christopher Lee) - The plot: A young boy (Highmore) embarks on a tour to the most magnificant chocolate factory in the world guided by its mysterious operator (Depp).
Are you kidding me? A remake of the classic child's tale? I am so there!
My predictions: With Tim Burton directing this version of Roald Dahl's classic, this film is sure to be a hit across generations. And, like him or not, Depp will shine as Willie Wonka. It has been said that Dahl was 'unimpressed' with the original version, starring Gene Wilder as Wonka, and I would have to say that the original, while a classic, did not completely fulfill the richness and darkness of the book. That will certainly change with Burton's direction, and with the acting prowess of Depp, Bonham-Carter and others. I can't wait for this one! 5 out of 5 stars.
Here are several other notable releases to keep an eye out for in 2005:
"War of the Worlds" (Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Tim Robbins. Directed by Steven Spielberg) - This one is going to be a hit, though I don't know that I will spend the few bucks to go see it. After all, while Spielberg is a superb Director, Tom Cruise is a no-talent ass clown, and Robbins is a crybaby Liberal. I just don't care to contribute to the further life support of Robbins. It was a bad casting decision, in my opinion.
"The Fantastic Four" (Michael Chiklis, Jessica Alba) - Michael Chiklis (The Shield) will shine as Ben Grimm/The Thing, but the redeeming quality in this film will be Jessica Alba's (hubba hubba) portrayal of Susan Storm/The Invisible Woman. Don't expect too much along the lines of a story, as this would appear to be yet another attempt by Hollyweird to play off the success of previous comic to film movies.
Deuce Bigalow: European Gigalo (Rob Schneider, Eddie Griffin) - So the original Bigalow was a far cry from being a cinematic masterpiece. So what? It was still a great movie, if for no other reason than the fantastic laughs. I am going to see this one, for the mindless hour of entertainment it will provide.
There are quite a few other releases, which I will most likely chronicle as more information is learned about them. Until then, I will see you online, or in line at the movies!
Ping - I survived the nite! Back on my feet again and sans hangover. Hooray!
That's it?
Admit it, posters... didn't you think at first that these had to be made-up, satire films, because no one would actually produce something so stupid?
Please, please nuke Hollywood and let us start over with new idea's and new writers.
I saw the trailer for "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and didn't recognize Johnny Depp at first. It looked like they'd cast a woman in the role! No facial hair, no wrinkles; all absolutely smooth pale skin... creepy.
Also saw the trailer for "War of the Worlds", in which suburban folks, viewing the distant glow of battle, are blown away by a fireball. That's the best they could show in the trailer? Not nearly as scary as the '53 version.
"Rvenge of the Sith" because I am a Star Wars fan. The rest...sequels and remakes. Johnny Depp as Willie Wonka? No way! "Fantastic Four?" Probably not; liked the Comics from that era, but this was just silly.
Bad News Bears
Die Hard 4: Die Hardest (2006)
Jurassic Park IV (2006)
Mission: Impossible 3
Superman Returns (2006)
The Transporter 2
Ain't Hollyweird great? < /sarcasm>
I have a feeling Burton will stay closer with the book. It was somewhat dark, after all, and I like the idea of Depp as Wonka. The paleness, etc., is necessary because, if you remember, Wonka was supposed to have disappeared into the factory for sometime prior to opening it up. The use of Depp looking the way he does fits with the story.
That's kinda what I was thinking. This is just another sad, sad attempt by Hollyweird to piggyback off the success of previous comic book movies.
Maybe, but it's a little too Michael Jackson-ish for me. Ewwww!
In Hitchhiker's Guide," who has been cast as Zaphod, Marvin, or Trillian? I haven't heard much about that one.
Rockwell
Zooey Deschanel(The New Guy) has been cast to play Trillian, another good choice.
Deschanel
Finally, the depressed robot marvin will be played by Warwick Davis of Star Wars/Willow/Leprechaun fame, a rather interesting casting decision.
Davis
Perhaps the most interesting casting decision was Mos Def (The Italian Job, Monster's Ball) as Ford Prefect.
Mos Def
The front of the Batmobile
The rear of the Batmobile
Most certainly not what we're used to, ya know?
Warwick Davis has also played Professor Flitwick in the Harry Potter movies
Supposedly, this is supposed to be able to really move, well over 100 mph.
Bad News Bears
Die Hard 4: Die Hardest (2006)
Jurassic Park IV (2006)
Mission: Impossible 3
Superman Returns (2006)
The Transporter 2
...
You have got to be kidding me
How can we take people seriously when they make up such stupid names for themselves?? Mos Def??
War of the Worlds is going to *suck* - Stephen Spielberg never met an alien he didn't like. There is a British War of the Worlds that's either just come out, or is going to - it looks far more in line with the book.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - it will be *great.* Tim Burton is the ultimate director for anything by Roald Dahl. Maybe we'll get lucky & they'll use the *original* Oompah-Loompah songs.
Hitchhikers - it's *Disney,* for crying out loud. They're going to wreck it.
The only one of these I'd probably see is Batman.
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