Drive (2011)

This has the premise of a really solid, cracking bank-heist-gone-wrong movie. And we haven't seen one of those in a while. Lets see if this lives up to our expectations. 


The Skinny: Stunt driver who doubles as a getaway-car driver gets caught smack in the middle of someone's cross-hair when a bank robbery goes horribly wrong. He's a stunt driver, and he's on the lam. Rubber-burning action ensues. 


Release Date: 16th September 2011 (USA)


The Helmer: Nicolas Winding Refn - Logans Run (2012), Only God Forgives, Drive (2011), Valhalla Rising (2009), Bronson (2008), Miss Marple: Nemesis (TV movie) (2007), 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 Scribes: James Sallis (writer), Hossein Amini (screenplay) - 47 Ronin (2012), Drive (2011), Shanghai (2010), Killshot (2008), The Four Feathers (2002), The Wings of the Dove (1997), Jude (1996), Deep Secrets (1996), The Dying of the Light (1992). 


The Casts: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Christina Hendricks, Ron Perlman, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks, Oscar Isaac, Tina Huang, Cesar Garcia, Joe Pingue, Christian Cage, Tiara Parker, James Biberi, Jeff Wolfe, River Stone McKeever. 


The Prediction: I've only seen one of Winding's films, which was the very bleak, cold and tough as nails "Valhalla Rising". He doesn't waste much time with dialogue so I'm assuming his take on a bank heist gone wrong genre will recreate the starkness of Valhalla. I'm also very curious about his Pusher trilogy. A big hit in his native Denmark as it was instrumental in catapulting him to international cult figure for vicious, uncompromising violence. All in all, I'm pretty keen in seeing this one. It has hollywood written all over it, which I hope is underlined by his signature moves and labeling. It should do well with crime-thriller purists.


Trailer
Wikin on Drive

Seru (2011) (Malaysia)

(Seru: definition Malay - to cry out, to call out. In the context of Malay lore, it is to call out to spirits a practice normally undertaken by bomohs, or shamans.)


Its been a long while since I've been excited and enthusiastic about a Malaysian movie, especially a horror movie. To date, the horror scene in Malaysia have been hackneyed, copied, and repeated again and again until the parody has become a parody in itself. Not to mention its quite crap and uncreative. Until the emergence of this successful Blair Witch Project meets Rec meets Malaysian lore. And it works. It bloody hell works. 


The Skinny: Film crew of a horror movie production in a remote jungle village gets relentless attacked by malevolent spirits, in the form of demonically possessed female production crew. One by one they are hunted down and brutally murdered.


The Helmer: Mohd Pierre Andre - Seru (2011), Be Silent (2009), I'm Not Single (2008), 9 September (2007). 
The Helmer2: Woo Ming Jin - Seru (2011), The Tiger Factory (2010), 15Malaysia (documentary) (2008), Days of the Turquoise Sky (TV movie) (2008), Blue Roof (short) (2007), The Elephant and the Sea (2007), Salon (2005), Its Possible Your Heart Cannot be Broken (short) (2005), Monday Morning Glory (2005), Love for Dogs (short) (2004). 


The Scribers: Mohd Pierre Andre and Woo Ming Jin. 


The Casts: Sharnaaz, Nisha Dir, Cut Mutia, Mohd Pierre Andre, Awal Ashari, Nora Danish, Azan Hassan, Kat.


Release Date: 28th April 2011


The Verdict: An excellent and effective documentary style horror movie which takes smart lessons from existing horror movies. What comes to mind is of course the hand-held video camera low cost horror movie Blair Witch Project and the Spanish zombie handy-cam horror Rec. Both were referred to, but Seru does one up, by intelligently making use of the plot and storyline to its advantage, essentially pitting camera crew, with their access to video cameras and lighting, against demonically-possessed crew hands. What is striking about the movie is its excessive use of violence and the subsequent gore that comes from the violence. Its also clever by including a plot device which emerges unexpectedly later in the movie. Its refreshing and encouraging to see young writers and directors take on hollywood style film-making and come out scratch-free. I liked this movie alot. This works for me. 


Trailer

Straw Dogs (2011) (remake)

In the spirit of remakes, or, under the cloud of no-ideas, the 1971 revenge actioneer led by latent gunpowder keg Dustin Hoffman gets redone. Where the previous locale was in boondocks Britain this time around its in boondocks US of A. How will it fare? Spate of revenge movies dredged from the 70s are getting the once over; spit and polish with just that right amount of elbow grease making it glossy, more expensive and relevant. Or is it? 


The Skinny: Scriptwriter faces trouble and violence when he relocates with his wife to the wife's hometown down south. Old jealousies and resentment bubbles to the surface for a grisly showdown. 


The Helmer: Rod Lurie - Borderline (2012), Straw Dogs (2011), Nothing but the Truth (2008), Speechless (TV documentary) (2008), Resurrecting the Champ (2007), I'm Paige Wilson (TV movie) (2007), Commander in Chief (TV series) (2005), Line of Fire (TV series) (2003 - 2004), The Nazi (short) (2002), The Last Castle (2001), The Contender (2000), Deterrence (1999), 4 Second Delay (short) (1998). 


The Scribe: Rod Lurie 


The Casts: James Marsden, Kate Bosworth, James Wood, Alexander Skarsgard, Walton Goggins, Anson Mount, Laz Alonso, Rhys Coiro, Grant Case, Drew Powell, Kristen Shaw, Courtney ShayYoung,  Billy Lush, Willa Holland. 


Release Date: 16th September 2011 (USA)


The Prediction: I loved the original Straw Dogs done in 1971 which had nerd times 2 Dustin Hoffman literally fight off the locals attention away from his luscious (read: sexy-dangerous) wife Susan George. The 1971 film helmed by the legendary Sam Peckinpah was notorious for its rape scene; back in the day. But a latter day viewing of the original carries the same effect most especially on the degradation of women as the questions arose: was she a willing participation of the rape? Or was she a tease which had it coming? Should lines be drawn to separate the two? Be that as it may, I'm wondering if this remake can stand up to the brutal take of Peckinpah. Rod Lurie seems to know what he's doing with is history of near perfect movies starting with the very original and highly entertaining The Contender back in 2000. Will this movie take up the core subject of jealousy, revenge, betrayal and the shifting dynamics of a husband/wife power struggle? Will it be easy viewing or an uncomfortable, thought-provoking experience? I'm curious how this movie fell in the hands of Lurie, as he is known for depicting empowered women as the basis of this movie is the objectification of women. Will it be a turnaround? Whatever it is I just hope it won't be as pointless and irrelevant as the abysmal Last House on the Left remake which had NOTHING going for it except ... NOTHING. Be that as it may, I'd say, go for it. This should be a solid revenge actioneer. And you know I loves me my revenge movies. Trailer looks pretty promising. Except for James Marsden's hair. Why?


Trailer 
Wiki on Straw Dogs 1971

Wiki on Straw Dogs 2011

Iron Sky (2012)

This is one of those movies which just pops out of nowhere, pokes people in the eyes and pop back in from whence it came. Its a Finnish sci-fi comedy featuring WW2-slant visuals seen from the side of the Nazis. How weird is that? Pretty much. 


The Skinny: The Nazis having established a moon base on the moon in 1945 plans a re-emergence in 2018. Sci-fi comedic antics ensues. 
Taken from Wiki: 

As a dark science fiction that plays with Finland's history of being oppressed by Russia, Iron Sky is a deliberate thematic throwback, a modern implementation of once-popular science fiction tropes that have fallen into disuse, such as Nazis in space.^[5][6]

As World War II comes to an end in 1945, Hans Kammler and other German scientists make a breakthrough in anti-gravity research. From a secret base in the Antarctic, Nazi spaceships are sent to the "dark side" of the Moon to establish the military base "Schwarze Sonne" (Black Sun).^[3] Their plan is to build a powerful fleet and return to conquer Earth. The film is set in the year 2018 when their descendants finally return.^[3][5]

The Helmer: Timo Vuorensola - Iron Sky (2012), Star Wreck (In the Pirkinning) (Video) (2005), Norjalainen Huora (Short) (1998).


The Casts: Julia Dietze, Christopher Kirby, Gotz Otto, Tilo Pruckner, Peta Sergeant, Stephanie Paul, Udo Kier. 


The Tagline: In 1945 the Nazis Went to the Moon. In 2018 They Are Coming Back. 


Release Date: TBD


The Prediction: Hmm. Finland making comedic sci-fi? From an unheard of (this side of the planet) ex-rocker director? With a casts of unknown except for uber icon Udo Kier? How will it fare you'd wonder, wouldn't you? But looking at the trailer it looks kinda intriguing. It has that 40's black and white murky look and feel about it, similar to the one seen with the sci-fic actioneer led by Thomas Jane "The Martian Chronicles" (the Jane dude does pretty weird stuff, check out his Dark Country directorial debut). Is it all good? The premise is definitely comedic. The intent is of course, not to make money because it doesn't suggest any sequels, big star casts, and Hollywood remake. Be that as it may, the moment it touches bluray I'm there! Great title though. 


Trailer

Wiki on Iron Sky

Official Site

Looper (2012)

I'm a big fan of Bruce Willis. Especially Action-Willis, as he kicks ass as how we want to kick ass. And I'll always want to see him continue kicking ass even in his 60s. 

The Skinny: "The plot  features JGL as a hitman whose victims are sent back in time from 30 years in the future. He knocks them off and, meanwhile, back in the future, there’s no trace of the crime. But then his future self, played by Willis, shows up, and things get difficult." - taken from www.slashfilm.com 


The Helmer: Rian Johnson - Terriers (TV) (2010), Breaking Bad (TV) (2010), The Brothers Bloom (2008), Brick (2005), Evil Demon Golfball from Hell (Short) (1995)


The Scribe: screenplay writer - Rian Johnson


The Casts: Bruce Willis, Gordon Joseph-Levitt, Emily Blunt


The Release Date: - TBD - somewhere in 2012


The Prediction: Action-Willis back in action with Inception star Gordon-Levitt as his younger, hitman self? How can it not go wrong? Its a nice twist to have Brick writer/director helm this futuristic actioneer and I'm putting my money on this one. This will definitely ROCK.


Not much news on this one yet as its still in post-production. More updates on this soon.  

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

Nowadays movie studios have no shame; not contend with sitting with the one film that made them money, they'd push for the 2nd, the 3rd, and now ... the 4th. Only because it makes economic sense for them, and silences the gaping mass into docile blitheringness so that they'd keep on watching even if installation number 47 has nothing more than a pair of buttocks hovering over a birthday cake. They'd watch that, and ask for more. What ever happened to the original idea? Or shame? 


The Skinny: Captain Jack Sparrow is back. This time in search of the fountain of youth, so's Blackbeard. And the very easy-on-them-eyes Penelope Cruz. 


The Helmer: Rob Marshall - Nine (2009), Tony Bennett, An American Classic (TV) (2006), Memoirs of a Geisha (2005), Chicago (2002), A Kennedy Centre Honors: A Celebration of the Performing Arts (TV special) (2001), Annie (TV movie) 1999. 


The Casts: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane, Kevin McNally, Sam Claflin, Keith Richards, Richard Griffiths


The Scribe: Ted Elliott - screenplay writer for: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Shrek (2001), The Road to Eldorado (2000), The Puppet Masters (1994), Aladdin (1992).


The Scribe2: Terry Rossio - screenplay writer for: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Shrek (2001), The Road to Eldorado (2000), The Mask of Zorro (1998), The Puppet Masters (1994), Aladdin (1992).


Release date: 19th May 2011 (Malaysia)


The Prediction: With the original scribers on board, there's nothing much that can go wrong with this. But aren't we a little bit tired of Depp as Sparrow? He runs the danger of being type casted but if the money's good, why not? But still, you can't but feel he's painting himself into a corner. A man of his talent should not think too much of pulling in the moolahs. Honestly. On the plus side for this film, there's the almost iconic Ian McShane and the very lovely Penelope Cruz. Makes you wonder if installation number five will draw in more Brit/Latino couples or other interesting matches. So, will it ROCK or will it SUCK?  I'd say it will RUCK. 


Trailer

Wiki on Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Horrible Bosses (2011)

Bosses are evil right? Yeah. They're mean right? Oh yeah. They limit your happiness right? Hell yeah. They should be eliminated right? Double hell yeah. 


The Skinny: 3 disgruntled employees of really horrible bosses plot to kill them as a way of liberating them from a life without happiness. Clumsy murder attempts ensues. Chortle. 


The Helmer: Seth Gordon - The Only Living Boy in New York (2013), Horrible Bosses (2011), Breaking In (TV) (2011), Freakanomics (Documentary) (2010), Modern Family (TV) (2010), The Office (TV) (2009 - 2010), Community (TV) (2009), Parks and Recreation (TV) (2009), Four Christmases (2008), The King of Kong: A Fist of Quarters (Documentary) (2007), The Problem with Percival (Short) (2006), Fears of Clown (Short) (2004), Squirt (Short) (2002). 


The Casts: Jason Bateman, Jennifer Anniston, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx, Kevin Spacey, Julie Bowen, Donald Sutherland, Lindsay Sloane. 


The Scribe: Michael Markowitz - screenplay writer: Kelsey Grammer Presents: The Sketch Show (TV) (2005), Its All Relative (TV) (2003 - 2004), In-Laws (TV) (2002 - 2003), Becker (TV) (1999), Comedy Central Presents: The N.Y. Friars Club Roast of Jerry Stiller (TV) (1999), Duckman: Private Dick / Family Man (TV) (1995 - 1996).


The Scribe: John Francis Daley - screenplay writer: Burt Wonderstone (2013), Horrible Bosses (2011), Bones (TV) (2011). 


Release Date: 8th July 2011 


The Prediction: This looks very promising actually - you have a great cast; a dream cast in fact. The kind of casts that can do serious, comedy and serious comedy. And the story line's pretty original and so very open to so many opportunities to expand in any direction. And, the helmer and writers do have a history of comedy. All in all the combination seems spot on. Looking at the trailer you can't help but be compelled to watch, especially Anniston, as the sexually harrassing dentist boss who's been hitting on her unsuspecting employee. Bateman is always a pleasure to watch, his straight man in horrible situation so like his role in Arrested Development. Its going to be good. Check it out. You will NOT be disappointed. (If you you do get disappointed, hell, at least you got to get out of the house to watch a movie, dincha?)


Official Trailer

Wiki on Horrible Bosses