It's been a few weeks since I ran down some upcoming films that look intriguing. With the Academy expanding the Best Picture nominees to 10, there are going to be a lot more films this fall wanting to make the cut. Two films on this week's list smell like Oscar bait to me.
THE WTF File
Robo Geisha (TBA)
Trailer
Some really messed up movies have come out of Japanese. This one looks like the Queen Mother of them all.
Getting Buzzed
20) Deadgirl (July 24)
Trailer
This indie horror flick looked like a cliché haunted asylum tale until about half way through the trailer. What do you do when your best friend does something horrible? Could this be a character based horror film? Do they make those?
19) The Last Airbender (July 2, 2010)
Trailer
Based on Nickelodeon's popular animated series, the film is M. Night Shymalan's first non-original script project. The casting of non-Asians has caused controversy so far, but I'm still curious to see what Shymalan does with a big budget and a great original property.
18) Couples Retreat (Oct. 9)
Trailer
The comedy stars Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Malin Akerman, Kristin Davis, Kristen Bell and Faizon Love. Follows a group of couples at a counseling retreat. Most interesting thing about the film is that Peter Billingsley, that's Ralphie from A CHRISTMAS STORY, is making his directing debut on the film. Looks to have a few chuckles and I really like Bateman.
17) I Bring What I Love (July 3)
Trailer
Youssou N’dour is one the biggest recording artists in the world. But you probably haven't heard of him. If you were African you sure would. This doc tells his story and the difficulties the devout Sufi Muslim encountered when he released a deeply personal and religious album that promoted a more tolerant face of Islam.
16) Whiteout (Sept. 11)
Trailer
Based on Greg Rucka's graphic novel, this Antarctica-set thriller has been sitting on the shelf for quite some time. I first saw this trailer at Comic-Con 2007. Stars Kate Beckinsale. Setting has me intrigued.
15) Grace (TBA)
Trailer
This indie horror flick had the audience abuzz at Sundance this year. Expecting mothers should not watch this one; it takes the mothering instinct to the extreme.
14) The Cove (July 31)
Trailer
This doc feels like a covert thriller. Animal activists set out to catch dolphin poachers in Japan.
13) Until the Light Takes Us (TBA)
Trailer
This film played at the AFI Fest last October. Seems fitting for the Halloween as it deals with the black metal cults in Norway. It's a strange phenomenon and a fascinating one.
12) Lion's Den (July 3)
Trailer
This Brazilian/Argentinean co-production takes on a topic I've never seen before on film. Women prisoners with babies. In South America, the women keep their children while behind bars. Looks gripping.
11) Assassination of a High School President (TBA)
Trailer
Who knows when we're ever going to get to see this one? I put it on my most anticipated films of the spring list, but it never came out because it's distributor, the Yari Film Group, went out of business. The festival buzz was great on this one. Too bad it's now in limbo. But we have a trailer.
10) Cold Souls (Aug. 7)
Trailer
Paul Giamatti plays Paul Giamatti in this sci-film where he has his soul removed. When he wants it back, he gets wrapped up in a sleazy underground soul smuggling business. Enough said.
9) World's Greatest Dad (Aug. 21)
Trailer
Bobcat Goldthwait's SHAKES THE CLOWN was so dark it barely got released. Now he has another dark comedy starring Robin Williams as a father whose son might be the world's worst boy. Festival word was good. This is the kind of comedy I want to see Williams in.
8) The Invention of Lying (Sept. 25)
Trailer
I really like Ricky Gervais. This comedy takes place in a world where no one ever lies. His character invents lying and it opens up his world. Also stars Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Jason Bateman, Patrick Stewart, Jeffrey Tambor, Christopher Guest, Tina Fey, Louis C.K., and Rob Lowe. How can it not be funny?
7) The Time Traveler's Wife (Aug. 14)
Trailer
Based on Audrey Niffenegger's novel, this sci-fi romance tale looks like it has a great deal more going on then the typical romance. A couple must deal with the man's ability to spontaneously time travel. The couple happens to be Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana. Could this be a metaphor for male unreliability?
6) The Box (Oct. 30)
Trailer
DONNIE DARKO director Richard Kelly based this horror yarn on Richard Matheson's short story, BUTTON, BUTTON. A down-on-their-luck couple, played by Cameron Diaz and James Marsden, are presented a box by a mysterious man (Frank Langella). Inside the box is a button. If they push it, they receive $1 million. The catch is that when the button is pushed someone somewhere in the world dies.
5) Untitled Michael Moore (Oct. 2)
Trailer
The film doesn't even have a title yet, but the sarcastic little teaser trailer for Michael Moore's new doc on the economic crisis made me laugh out loud.
4) Inglourious Basterds (Aug. 21)
Trailer
The international trailer gives us more of the plot of Quentin Tarantino's latest.
3) Ponyo (Aug. 14)
Trailer
The American trailer for Hayao Miyazaki's latest gave me chills.
2) Amelia (Oct 23)
Trailer
THE NAMESAKE's Mira Nair directs two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank in this bio-pic of Amelia Earhart. Co-stars Ewan McGregor and Richard Gere. Oscar bait #1.
1) The Informant! (Oct. 9)
Trailer
Steven Soderbergh directs Matt Damon in this crime comedy about a bubbling whistle blower. Co-stars Scott Bakula and Patton Oswalt. Looks hilarious. Oscar bait #2.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
