The Other Guys (2010)

The Skinny: The lesser of the two pairs of competing cop partners get into trouble when they take on their legendary counterparts. Will Ferrel and Mark Wahlberg square off against Samuel L Jackson and Dwayne 'the Rock' Johnson with hilarious results. This is a coming of age story of two middle-aged men...

The Helmer: Adam McKay - Vida (2010), Saturday Night Live: Just Shorts (2009 TV), Eastbound and Down (2009 TV), Green Team (2008 V), Step Brothers (2008), The Landlord (2007), The Procedure (2007), Good Cop, Baby Cop (2007 V), Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby (2006), Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004).

The Casts: Mark Wahlberg (Det. Terry Hoitz), Will Ferrell (Detective Allen Gamble), Samuel L Jackson (Highsmith), Dwayne Johnson (Danson), Michael Keaton, Lindsay Sloane (Francine), Ray Stevenson (Wesley), Eva Mendez (Sheila Gamble), Steve Coogan (David Ershon)

The Prediction: McKay has directed Ferrell in several hit comedies over the years, and I can't see why he can't do it again with this buddy cop comedy, especially with straight man Wahberg. Its also good to see Jackson in a comedic role as well, something we haven't seen in a long while. As for the Rock, he just rocks in any movie he plays in. Anyway, from the trailer, this movie seems like the hot ticket for 2010. 

Release Date: 6th August 2010

Official Site 

The Other Guys Trailer 

Valhalla Rising (2010)

The Skinny:  Scotland 1000AD. Mute fighter, One Eye escapes captivity from his owner, Norse chieftain Barde who uses him as a fighting machine. On the run, he comes across a viking ship and joins the crew but is soon face to face with other trials ... only to find out what he really is.

The Helmer: Nicolas Winding Nefn - Bronson (2008), Miss Marple: Nemesis (2007 TV), I'm The Angel of Death: Pusher III (2005), With Blood on My Hands: Pusher II (2004), Fear X (2003), Bleeder (1999), Pusher (1996)

The Casts: Mads Mikelsen (One Eye), Jamie Sives (Gorm), Gary Lewis (Kare), Ewan Stewart (Eirik), Callum Mitchel (Viking Guard)

The Prediction: A 2009 limited released indie pic which looks very very promising, with strong kick-ass possibilities. Which is always a good thing in my books, any day of the week. A cast of complete unknowns except for Mads, who played the baddie in Casino Royale helmed by the guy who gave us the Pusher trilogy (see it here), this looks like a decent action flick with an amazing backdrop.


Release Date: 4th June 2010


Official Site

Valhalla Rising Trailer

Green Hornet (2011)

The Skinny: Crime-fighting Britt Reid is a reporter by day, and a ass-kicker by night aided by his oriental ass-kicking side kick Kato. What begins as revenge for the death of someone close to his dad (who owns the SENTINEL, a newspaper), turns into a career of fighting crime. Reid dons a mysterious face mask which covers his eyes and bridge of nose, to hide his true identity and gets down to business.

The Helmer: Michel Gondry - The Thorn in the heart (2009), Michel Gondy 2: More Videos Before and After DVD (2009), How to Blow Up a Helicopter (2009), The Flight of the Conchords (Ep 1 2009), Tokyo! (2008), Be Kind Rewind (2008), Les Science Des Reves (2007), The Willowz (2006), The Science of Sleep (2006), Block Party 2005), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004).

The Casts: Seth Rogen (Britt Reid / Green Hornet), Jay Chou (Kato), Cameron Diaz (Lenore Case), Edward Furlong (Tupper)

The Prediction: For those who are culturally challenged, this is a remake of a 60s TV series which starred the mythical Bruce Lee as Kato the ass-kicking chinese side kick of this gwailo who wears a mask to fight bad guys and shoot them once in a while. This is the updated version. Personally, I don't see the cultural relevance of remaking this movie. Why? Because it aint got no Bruce Lee in it, buddy.The components of this movie is strange: helmed by French weird movie meister Gondry, led by fattish goofball turned skinny goofball Rogen, supported by aging chick Diaz and less than known oriental star Chou, played out in a comedic tone I'm just curious how this will come out. I'm also wondering who approved it, put up money for it, spent time and effort making it and had hopes of making money out of it. Honestly, I think the cast could do with an overhaul. I'm just not convinced with Rogen in the lead... but hey, I'm only human I could be proven wrong. And the trailer does in a way kick ass ... I just hope they dont make it too comical, because we dont want to see another Starsky and Hutch comedic redo. Which just sucks.


Release Date: 14th January 2011


Official Site 

The Green Hornet Trailer

Thor (2011)

The Skinny: Thor is thrown out of Asgard for his recklessness and nose dives onto Earth as punishment, to live among the mortals. It is on Earth where he learns humility and the true meaning of hero-ness-ship. And he has to tangle with his evil brother Loki and the badass comes a-calling ...
 

The Helmer: Kenneth Branagh - Sleuth (2007), The Magic Flute (2006), As You Like It (2006), Listening (2003), Love's Labour's Lost (2000), Hamlet (1996), A Midwinter's Tale (1995), Frankenstein (1994), Much Ado About Nothing (1993), Peter's Friend (1992), Swan Song (1992), Dead Again (1991), Henry V (1989)

The Casts: Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Natalie Portman (Jane Foster), Kat Dennings (Darcy), Ray Stevenson ((Volstagg), Anthony Hopkins (Odin)

The Prediction: Remember the end of Iron Man 2? Where the SHIELD agent was called away to attend to something big? And we were treated to a glimpse of something half buried in huge hole in the open desert? Obviously its Thor's hammer being uncovered. Obviously Thor is the next biggie coming up. Thor as in the god of thunder who is a doctor during his working hours, and a skirt wearing do gooder with super powers during other times. So yeah, Thor is coming up, thereby enlarging the Marvel comic universe to comprise of Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, now Thor and soon after the Avengers ...Should be good, but hopefully it will not go Cridown the road of destruction, otherwise known as Ang Lee's Incredible Hulk, where they get too thespianic for their own good. What we'd like to see is pure kick-ass poetry where the Hammer does ALL the talking. Oh yeah ...


Release Date: 6th May 2011 USA

Dinner for Schmucks (2010)

The Skinny: Rising executive Paul Rudd is keen to impress his bosses and will do anything to do please them including picking an unknowing candidate to be the idiot guest for the monthly dinner for idiots, where the bosses enjoy an evening of merriment at the expense of the unknowing guest. Cue Stever Carell's Barry ... an innocent idot savant who forges an unlikely friendship with Rudd. Now, with all the cards on the table, will Rudd do the right thing? 

The Helmer: Jay Roach - Recount (2008 TV), Earth to America (2005 TV), Meet the Fockers (2004), Austin Powers in Gold Member (2002), Meet the Parents (2000), Mystery, Alaska (1999), Austin Powers, the Spy who Shagged Me (1999), Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997), Zoo Radio (1990).

The Casts: Steve Carell (Barry), Paul Rudd (Tim Wagner), Stephanie Szostak (Julie), Jermaine Clement (Kieran Vollard), Zack Galifianakis (Therman), Lucy Punch (Darla) Bruce Greenwood (Fender), Ron Livingston (Caldwell)

The Prediction: I like Steve Carell, and I'm beginning to like Paul Rudd too since his role in Role Models, where he finally established the kind of guy he was: someone who just doesnt care. And I have a fondness for Jay Roach as well, because he made me laugh till I peed my pants with the third and funniest installment of the Austin Powers series. So yes, I believe this movie is good, and should be watched by many. Go watch it!

Release Date: 30th July 2010 USA

Official Site and Trailer

The Dark Fields (2011)

The Skinny: Jilted writer takes on a new drug which enables him the full 100% of his brain power and other faculties, only to carry him to unimaginable height of power and perception.  But it comes with a price as a group of killers trail his every move. Based on a techno thriller by Alan Glynn.

The Helmer: Neil Burger - The Lucky Ones (2008), The Illusionist (2006), Interview with the Assassin (2002),

The Casts: Bradley Cooper (Eddie Spinola), Robert Deniro (Gennady), Anna Friel, Abbie Cornish, Johnny Whitworth

The Prediction: A new superhero movie, or something like that. Bradley Cooper is still smokin' after his A-Team stint, wihch sees him as the next possible action hero, with female appeal. Which is an intelligent opposite to old-timer Deniro who is fast fading under the onslaught of new players in the market.

Release date: 18th March 2011 USA

Internet Movie Database

The Book

The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)

The Skinny: Two warring sorcerers fight for control of New York city. The goodguy sorcerer Balthazar Blake (Cage) recruites everydayman Dave Stutler (Baruchel) to assist him in the battle against the evil Maxim Horvath (Molina). In the meantime, its school time for the young apprehentice as he learns the ropes of sorcerer-ship from a fedora-wearing wizard, and the meaning of courage. 

The Helmer: Jon Turteltaub - Harpers Island (2009 TV), National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007), Jericho (2006 TV 2 episodes), National Treasure (2004), More, Patience (2001 TV), The Kid (2000), Instinct (1999), From the Earth to the Moon (1998 TV), Phenomenon (1996), While You Were Sleeping (1995), Cool Runnings (1993), 3 Ninjas (1992), Driving Me Crazy (1991), Think Big (1989).

The Casts: Nicholas Cage (Balthazar Blake), Jay Baruchel (Dave), Alfred Molina (Horvath), Teresa Palmer (Becky), Toby Kebell (Drake Stone)

The Prediction: Turtletaub and Cage - they've had some successes together notably the broad appeal actioneer National Treasure series. Will the same combination work again? Cages career of late has been a series of yes and no's. You had "Next" which was a no, "Kick Ass" which was a yes. The thing about Cage is that he plays himself in all his movies. The way he speaks, the way he stands ... movies are built around him, as opposed to him melting into the role and expanding the story.But then again, this is a Disney movie which means it cannot not fail. Entertaining? Check. Spellbinding? Check. Family wholesome fun? Check.

Release date: 16th July 2010 USA

Official Trailer

Official Site

Centurion (2010)

And so another epic movie pops out. A sand, spear and sandal adventure makes its appearance for 2010 with Neil Marshall's Centurion, right on the heels of Robin Hood. Do I see a pattern?

The Skinny: A splinter group of Roman soldiers struggle to survive the onslaught of vicious guerrilla attack by a small local tribe in the hinterland of northern Britain in AD 117, led by the beautiful but brutal female leader Etain. Roman General Virilus is kidnapped and it is up to his second in command Dias to rescue him. The full summary from Pathe Productions can be found here.

The Helmer: Neil Marshall - The Descent 2 (2007), Doomsday (2008), The Descent (2005), Dog Soldiers (2002), Combat (1999).

The Casts: Michael Fassbender (Quintus Dias), Dominic West (Virilus), Olga Kurylenko (Etain), Noel Clarke (Marcos), David Morrissey (Bothos).

The Prediction: This looks brutal and cold. I like it. I also like Olga Kurylenko in vicious mode with swords. How will it do? Neil Marshall was critically acclaimed with Dog Soldiers, a simple plot of a movie concerning a group of training soliders deep in the English forest under attack by a group of vicious werewolves. He was also lauded for his all-female cast of the effective claustrophobic movie of splunkers descending into uncharted undergroud labyrinth who come face to face to humanoid monsters who feed on flesh. So technically, since he wrote and directed this movie, he may carry the same level of shock and awe in his previous successes.If he does, we should expect a medieval action flick slanted in brutal, shocking sequence.

Release date: 27 August 2010 USA 

Centurion Trailer 

Basic Info