Two brothers, one a war hero (Hardy) the other a struggling teacher (Edgerton), meet in an MMA fight with a major cash prize on the line. I get goosebumps just watching the trailer for this film and the early buzz is overwhelmingly positive with some reviews pointing to award attention for Hardy and Nolte. Edgerton is on my Barry Pepper All-Star Team (guys who rarely get starring roles and never get much attention but are always awesome) but "Warrior" is the first in a string of films over the next 18 months which may graduate him off of the team. Director Gavin O'Connor knows how to make a good sports film ("Miracle") and "Warrior" should further his reputation.
Value: $10 "Warrior" is already Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and looks to be a winner.
"Contagion" - Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Marion Cotillard, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow
A deadly virus will spread across the globe unless the Center for Disease Control can stop it. First of all, as I've said many times before, if Matt Damon is in, I'm in. It's just that simple. The rest of the cast is dynamite and Steven Soderbergh is a director who always piques my interest even if the finished product isn't that great. The perception of "Contagion" among the major critics seems to always be in flux. Prior to this week's screenings, it's seemed that some think it could be a dark horse Best Picture contender while some think it will be nothing more than a big budget horror flick. That could cause an identity crisis but regardless of award consideration, this film has such a strong pedigree that I have a hard time imagining it won't be good.
Value: $8 The uncertainty of the film's overriding intention (horror, thriller, or Oscar bait?) gives me pause for concern but I'm betting it'll be worth your time.
"Bucky Larson: Born to be a Star" - Nick Swardson, Don Johnson, Christina Ricci
I'm not even going to sum up this steaming pile of crap. I refuse. If you've been able to avoid the EXTENSIVE ad campaign and want to know what this movie is about, you'll have to go elsewhere to find it. In my time as a film nerd, I've come across some pretty bad films but I honestly cannot think of a movie that needs to exist less than "Bucky Larson."
Value: -$1000 If you see this movie for any other reason that you are being forced to review it, please comment on this page and leave your address because I'm going to come to your house and ask for money because obviously you have more of it than you know what to do with. Also, I'm going to punch you.
"Main Street" - Colin Firth, Patricia Clarkson, Ellen Burstyn (limited)
A small community is turned upside down by the arrival of a stranger (Firth) with a radical plan to save the town. I don't know a whole lot about "Main Street" and I'm not alone in that. An indie film with a solid cast, it apparently didn't turn out the way everyone thought it would and the studio has essentially buried it in terms of advertising. Oh well.
Value: $2 "Main Street" will appear on HDNet in the coming days if you have that station as part of your cable package and it might be worth checking out there. But as far as a theater viewing goes...I'll pass.
"Creature" - Mehcad Brooks, Serinda Swan, Daniel Bernhardt (limited)
A low budget, cheese-tastic horror flick about a group of campers who stumble across a mythical beast in a backwoods swamp. There's not really much more that can be said here so...
Value: $1 If you're into this type of film you could probably do worse...like "Shark Night 3D."
LOVE the value for Bucky Larson! LOL.
ReplyDeleteHave you now seen either Contagion or Warrior?
I saw Warrior yesterday. LOVED it. I saw you posted a review but won't read it until I write my own. Glad to see you enjoyed it as well.
ReplyDelete