Studio – Highway 61 Films, Lionsgate (Previous Releases: Debut, For Colored Girls)
Director – Paul Haggis (Previous Work: In The Valley Of Elah)
In a nutshell….
A remake of Pour Elle, The Next Three Days is a film about Lara Brennan who is accused of murder and sentenced to prison. Her husband, John, believes she is innocent, but the evidence against her is overwhelming and he has no legal means to save her. Thus John plans to rescue her on his own, with inputs from Damon who has experience in breaking prison seven times. The rest of the story is all about how John rescues his wife and whether he is successful in fleeing.
Although a remake of a French film, The Next Three Days looks properly moulded to fit into the American culture. The film's got rave reviews from its US release and seems great with a stunning star cast. I think this one's bound to do well on the box office as it's pacey, and comes from the brilliant mind of Paul Haggis.
Genre: Crime/Drama/Thriller
Runtime : 122 mins
Rated: 12A
Principal Cast
Russell Crowe – John Brennan (Last seen in: Robn Hood)
Elizabeth Banks – Lara Brennan (Last seen in: The Uninvited)
Liam Neeson – Damon Pennington (Last seen in: The A-Team)
Olivia Wilde – Nicole (Last seen in: Tron: Legacy)
Principal Crew
Paul Haggis - Writer
Film’s USP
Russell Crowe + Action
Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZmtBOy4PkM
Anticipation Rating: 3.5/5
Studios – See Saw Films, Bedlam Productions (Previous Releases: The Kings of Mykonos, Exam)
Director – Tom Hooper (Previous Work: The Damned United)
In a nutshell….
The King’s Speech is based on a real life story of the man who became King George VI. After his brother’s abdication George reluctantly assumes the throne but because of a stutter he cannot recite his speech in front of many, thus considered to be unfit. Elizabeth takes help of an unusual speech therapist to improve her husband’s situation. Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, George is able to find his voice and boldly lead the country through war.
This film’s official trailer was so entertaining and interesting that I wished to watch the whole film at that very instance. Despite it being a historical feature, it seems enthralling, and in some places light and funny. A lot has been already spoken about it, and the US opening has seen great responses, leading to 7 Golden Globe nominations. This sure is worth a watch especially if you admire Colin Firth.
Genre: Drama/History
Runtime : 118 mins
Rated: 12A
Principal Cast
Colin Firth – King George VI (Last seen in: St. Trinion's 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold)
Helena Bonham Carter – Queen Elizabeth (Last seen in: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1)
Geoffrey Rush – Lionel Logue (Last seen in: The Warrior’s Way)
Timothy Spall – Winston Churchill (Last seen in: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1)
Principal Crew
David Seidler - Writer
Film’s USP
The star cast, all power packed British actors.
Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aS4hoOSlzo
Anticipation Rating: 4/5
127 Hours
(Also releasing in Canada)
Studio – Various (Film 4, Cloud Eight Films, Everest Entertainment)
Director – Danny Boyle (Previous Film: Slumdog Millionaire)
In a nutshell….
Based on mountaineer Aron Ralston’s real life adventure, the film is set in the mountains of Utah. When a boulder crash traps him, Ralston’s got to find his way out of the situation and climb eight miles before he could seek some help. Throughout his journey, Ralston recalls friends, lovers, family, and the two hikers he met before his accident. His quest for survival is the story of the film.
Once again Boyle’s made a film based on a book (Aron Ralston’s Between A Rock And A Hard Place) and James Franco seems a perfect fit for the role. The film’s already receiving high accolades from the festival circuit and is also nominated for 3 Golden Globes. Judging from the trailers and the buzz surrounding this film, I believe this one’s a must watch, and should be the first choice in the New Year. It’s already an Oscar contender.
Genres - Biography/Drama/Adventure
Runtime - 94 mins
Rated - 15
Principal Cast
James Franco – Aron Ralston (Last seen in – Eat Pray Love)
Kate Mara – Kristi (Last seen in – Iron Man 2)
Amber Tamblyn – Megan (Last seen in – Beyond A Reasonable Doubt)
Principal Crew
Simon Beaufoy, Danny Boyle - Writers
Enrique Chediak, Anthony Dod Mantle – Directors of Photography
John Harris – Editors
A.R. Rehman – Music Director
Film’s USP
The return of the Oscar winning quartet of Boyle, Beaufoy, Mantle and Rehman.
Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlhLOWTnVoQ
Anticipation Rating : 4/5
Season Of The Witch
(Also releasing in Ukraine:5th, Argentina, Canada, France:12th, Singapore 13th)
Director – Dominic Sena (Previous Film: Whiteout)
In a nutshell….
Set in the 14th century, a crusader’s homeland is hit by Black plaque. The church assumes sorcery as the cause of it and deports a witch to a remote abbey where monks would perform a ritual to end the deadly disease. A priest, a grieving knight, a disgraced itinerant and a headstrong youth join a mission troubled by mythically intimidating wilderness and fierce conflict over the fate of the girl. Things change when they arrive at the abbey and they are pitted against some destructive forces.
I think this one shows some promise with a different combination of genres. Relativity Media’s latest ventures have been exceptional which is why I think Season Of The Witch can also be one of them. Although Sena’s Gone In Sixty Seconds and Swordfish weren’t cinematically brilliant but sure were entertaining enough.
Genre - Drama/Fantasy/Adventure
Runtime - 113 mins
Rated - 15
Principal Cast
Nicolas Cage – Behmen (Last seen in – The Sorcerer’s Apprentice)
Claire Foy – The Girl (Debut Theatrical Release)
Stephen Graham – Hagamar (Last seen in – Public Enemies)
Ron Perlman - Felson (Last seen in – Bunraku)
Principal Crew
Bragi F. Schut - Writer
Amir M. Mokri – Director of Photography
Bob Ducsay, Mark Helfrich, Dan Zimmerman – Editors
Atli Örvarsson – Music Director
Film’s USP
This is a rare fantasy set in the ancient times with a different storyline. Besides, Cage’s presence shall makes this one worth watching.
Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6QY5LOa6MM
Anticipation Rating - 3/5
the kings speech released quite a while back
ReplyDeleteThat was in the London Film Festival as a limited release. The actual UK release happens this week.
ReplyDelete