Coming Attractions Thread

[Mitch Henessey]

5 Days Of War

Release Date: August 19, 2011

[YOUTUBE]PncCa_fnZKs[/YOUTUBE]​

A drama set centered around the war between Russia and Georgia, and focused on an American journalist, his cameraman, and a Georgian native who become caught in the crossfire.

This could be an emotional and gripping drama, and this film is based on true story, so this should help add a strong realistic feeling. The cast looks pretty solid here, and 5 Days Of War could be a decent film. This movie won't make a splash at the box office, but 5 Days Of War could be worth watching.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

The Woman In Black

Release Date: February 3, 2012

[YOUTUBE]0nH4wgfv-6c[/YOUTUBE]​

A young lawyer travels to a remote village to organize a recently deceased client's papers, where he discovers the ghost of a scorned woman set on vengeance.

Daniel Radcliffe will always be known as Harry Potter, and there is nothing he can do to stop this. He was the lead man for one of the most popular film franchises ever, so people will always see the young and heroic wizard, when they look at him, and he will be in Harry Potter's shadow for the rest of his career.

The Woman In Black could be a solid horror film, and Radcliffe should attract the Potter fans to this film. This trailer does have a PG-13 feeling, so I don't expect a gruesome horror film here. Although, this trailer does feature some spooky moments, and there could be some good scares in this film. I don't have high hopes for The Woman In Black, but this could be worth watching.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

Trespass

Release Date: October 14, 2011

[YOUTUBE]1rolBdc_mjs[/YOUTUBE]​

As they're held for ransom, a husband and wife's predicament grows more dire amid the discovery of betrayal and deception.

Nicole Kidman usually delivers the goods, but I can never trust Nicholas Cage. This man has his fair share of shit films, but he can deliver a surprise every now and then.

Joel Schumacher is the director for this film. I loved Phone Booth, but I can't stand this particular flick.....

Spoiler

I have always HATED this Batman film with a passion, and almost everyone who is associated with this film is on my shit list. I couldn't stand this film as a kid, and I still despise it today. Schumacher directed this travesty, and I will always hold this one film against him. I don't think Schumacher is a horrible director, but Batman & Robin will be known as that gigantic stain on his resumé.

Anyway, Trespass could be a decent film, but this trailer makes this film look like straight-to-video material, but Kidman, Cage, and Schumacher are apart of this film, so you know that won't happen. This film could feature some good suspense and tension, but the story here doesn't excite me at all.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

Underworld: Awakening

Release Date: January 20, 2012

[YOUTUBE]tUcrbUCWKQc[/YOUTUBE]​

"Kate Beckinsale, star of the first two films, returns in her lead role as the vampire warrioress Selene, who escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species."

YES!!!

I have been waiting for this Underworld trailer for a while now, and I am glad to see Kate Beckinsale return here. I didn't have a problem with Rise Of The Lycans, but an Underworld film without Beckinsale doesn't feel right. Also, I'm not too sure, but this film might be an exclusive 3D release. 3D films can be hit and miss, but there aren't too many high quality 3D films out there. 3D films aren't too popular with moviegoers right now, and an exclusive 3D release will drive some people away from this film.

Texas Killing Fields

Release Date: October 7, 2011

[YOUTUBE]2rmzw0YBpWs[/YOUTUBE]​

In the Texas bayous, a local homicide detective teams up with a cop from New York City to investigate a series of unsolved murders.

This could be a decent film. The cast is solid enough, and this will be a dark crime drama. Texas Killing Fields will have a limited theatrical release, but I think I'll wait for the DVD release here, because this trailer doe not excite me.

The trailer for The Girl With Dragon Tattoo was taken down a while ago, but here's another one:

[YOUTUBE]WVLvMg62RPA[/YOUTUBE]​

 

[Mitch Henessey]

Machine Gun Preacher

Release Date: September 23, 2011

[YOUTUBE]eddnloOFjwY[/YOUTUBE]​

The story of Sam Childers, a former drug-dealing biker tough guy who found God and became a crusader for hundreds of Sudanese children who've been forced to become soldiers.

Gerard Butler has had his fair share of shit films over the past couple of years, and he still doesn't have that one very good film on his track record, but Machine Gun Preacher could be the boost he needs. This will be an emotional biopic, and this film does feature a real life dramatic story. Also, Michelle Monaghan is a good choice for the role of Butler's wife here, because she is a pretty solid actress.

Puncture

[YOUTUBE]bviVmnhNIcM[/YOUTUBE]​

Supposedly based on a true story. Mike Weiss (Chris Evans) is a young Houston lawyer and a drug addict. Paul Danziger (co-director Mark Kassen), his longtime friend and partner, is the straight-laced. Their personal injury law firm is getting by, but things really get interesting when they decide to take on a case involving Vicky (Vinessa Shaw), a local ER nurse, who is pricked by a contaminated needle. As Weiss and Danziger dig deeper into the case, a health care and pharmaceutical conspiracy teeters on exposure and heavyweight attorneys move in on the defense. Out of their league but invested in their own gain, the mounting pressure of the case pushes the two underdog lawyers and their business to the breaking point.

As far as the release date goes, the end of trailer lists September 23 as a limited release, and according to the trailer, this film should have nationwide release this fall.

Chris Evans has seen his fair share of spotlight recently. I don't have too big of a problem with Evans, but I haven't seen that one breakout performance from him yet. He can be a decent enough actor, and he does have some natural charisma, but he doesn't have that one very good or great film on his track record yet. Puncture does have some potential, and the trailer does look good, but I'm always skeptical about films that revolve around lawyers and legal stuff. Usually, you'll always be waiting for that one big showdown in the courtroom. This moment could provide the big payoff you've been waiting on, but if the big showdown doesn't deliver, then the journey will feel tiresome, and you will be very disappointed and letdown by the entire film.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance

Release Date: February 17, 2012

[YOUTUBE]ZFHyPLaENRE[/YOUTUBE]​

In the successor to the worldwide hit 'Ghost Rider,' Johnny - still struggling with his curse as the devil's bounty hunter - is hiding out in a remote part of Eastern Europe when he is recruited by a secret sect of the church to save a young boy (Fergus Riordan) from the devil (Ciaran Hinds). At first, Johnny is reluctant to embrace the power of the Ghost Rider, but it is the only way to protect the boy - and possibly rid himself of his curse forever.

This trailer doesn't look bad, but the first Ghost Rider film was absolute shit, and Nicholas Cage is still the star of this film, so I don't have any hope for this Ghost Rider flick. Eva Mendes' performance in the first film wasn't memorable at all, and she will not return for this film. Mendes was great eye candy, but her loss shouldn't hurt at all. Spirit Of Vengeance should attract some Ghost Rider fans, but I don't think I'll take a chance on this one. Edward Norton was able to revive The Hulk franchise, but Cage is still the lead man for the second film here, so why should I expect a positive change?

Hellraiser: Revelations

Release Date: September 2, 2011 (Limited Release)

[YOUTUBE]oLTaFY-hMzA[/YOUTUBE]​

"Two friends in Mexico discover the Lament Configuration and unleash Pinhead, but one decides to try to survive by swapping himself with someone else. Once they go missing, family members go in search of them, but find Pinhead instead."

Wow. This trailer looks horrendous. Revelations will have a limited release on September 2, and you can check out the DVD on October 18.

Yeah, I think I'll wait for the DVD release here. This trailer looks terrible, and there is nothing alluring about it. Revelations looks like your typical straight-to-video horror release. Of course, they can capitalize off of the Hellraiser name here, and fans will surely support this film. Still, Hellraiser Revelations looks like a forgettable film, and this franchise needs to die.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

Carnage

Release Date: December 16, 2011

Red Band Trailer

[YOUTUBE]xxX02-KdsXM[/YOUTUBE]​

Tells the story of two sets of parents who decide to have a cordial meeting after their sons are involved in a schoolyard brawl.

A dark cloud will always hang over Roman Polanski's career (for obvious reasons). The crimes Polanski committed were disgusting and despicable, but I do respect and admire his work, because he is a talented director and writer.

Carnage has tons of potential. The cast looks great here, and the story does sound kind of bizarre. Carnage features one of those stories that can hook you in with an intriguing premise, and this could be a very entertaining dark comedy.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

World Of The Dead: The Zombie Diaries 2

[YOUTUBE]lNQQrBWrfMQ[/YOUTUBE]​

"Three months have passed since a viral outbreak wiped out 99.9% of the world's population, turning its victims into flesh-eating living dead. In the UK, a surviving band of soldiers and civilians have taken refuge at a rural military barracks. Life is tough, but hope appears when a high level communication is received from a military base on the coast, telling of sanctuary elsewhere in Europe."

This was already released in the UK a while it ago, and World Of The Dead is available on DVD in the UK. This film is expected to hit the US in October, but World Of The Dead hasn't received an official release date yet.

I haven't seen the first World Of The Dead film, but this trailer doesn't do anything for me. This just looks like another mediocre low budget zombie flick, and this film should only receive a straight-to-video release, when it hits the US. There should be a good amount of violence and gore in this film, and I usually enjoy zombie flicks, so I might take a chance on this.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

From Clive Barker's twitter:

"Hello,my friends. I want to put on record that the flic out there using the word Hellraiser IS NO FUCKIN' CHILD OF MINE!"

"I have NOTHING to do with the fuckin' thing. If they claim its from the mind of Clive Barker,it's a lie. It's not even from my butt-hole."

https://twitter.com/#!/RealCliveBarker

For those of you who are unaware, Barker is the mastermind behind the Hellraiser story. He also wrote and directed the first film in this series.

Barker is responding to fans, who thinks he is apart of the new Hellraiser: Revelations film. Well, Barker is obviously pissed, and he doesn't want his name to be attached to this new film. I guess you can't blame him for being upset, because Barker takes pride in his creation. The Hellraiser: Revelations trailer does look horrible. Revelations looks cheesy and mediocre, and this film should hit the Wal-Mart $5 bin soon enough.

Children Of The Corn: Genesis

Release Date: August 30, 2011 (Straight-To-Video-Release)

[YOUTUBE]cmvqzZzJAsE[/YOUTUBE]​

"Tim and Allie seek shelter in a remote desert compound after becoming lost and stranded. A strange Manson-like character, Preacher, reluctantly allows them inside with strict orders to be gone by morning and not wander "where you are not invited." At first, Preacher and his mail-order wife Oksana deny the faint screams and cries that emanate from one of the crumbling outbuildings. When Allie sneaks outside to investigate, she discovers that she and Tim have stumbled onto a bizarre cult worshiping an entity that may - or may not - dwell inside a haunted little boy."

The first few Children Of The Corn films always scared the shit out of me, when I was a kid. These films would always freak me out, and I couldn't stand them. The violent stuff didn't bother me, but the kids were just so damn creepy. I started to get into this series, when I was in my teens, but I haven't kept up with Children Of The Corn, and I really don't remember this series too well, so I would have to watch the other films before I take a chance on this one.

Although, Genesis doesn't look like anything special. They're trying to capitalize off of the Childern Of The Corn name, and die hard fans will want to see this.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

Haunting At The Beacon

Release Date: September 13, 2011 (Straight-To-Video)

[YOUTUBE]d00AHhjO5UM[/YOUTUBE]​

The movie centers on Bryn (Polo), a thirtysomething woman grieving over the loss of her 4-year-old son. Along with her college professor and author husband (Snell), Bryn moves into the charming old Beacon Apartments. There, she begins to see a boy who died in a fall down the Beacon's elevator shaft while trying to escape his abusive father. With the help of an eccentric young professor (Urie), Bryn tries to save the boy's spirit. Ironside plays a tough career cop who has adopted the residents.

Haunting At The Beacon could feature a nice ghost story, and this trailer does feature some spooky moments. Usually, straight-to-video horror films are mediocre at best, but you can find a decent enough surprise every now and then, and Haunting At The Beacon might fall under this category.

I finally found a release date for Set-Up. This film will have a straight-to-video release on September 20, 2011, and here is another trailer.

Red Band Trailer

[YOUTUBE]T7s_ikn_Ajc&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]​

Also, here's another trailer for Children Of The Corn: Genesis:

[YOUTUBE]pPI3s3MdS7c[/YOUTUBE]​

If this trailer is taken down, you can always check out another one here: http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/25878

 

[Mitch Henessey]

Martha Marcy May Marlene

Release Date: October 7, 2011

[YOUTUBE]ERREgOobLOs[/YOUTUBE]​

Haunted by painful memories and increasing paranoia, a damaged woman struggles to re-assimilate with her family after fleeing an abusive cult.

John Hawkes is capable of delivering a solid performance, but I don't know too much about Elizabeth Olsen. I know she's related to the Olsen twins, but I'm not too familiar with her acting career or lack thereof (I only see five films on her filmography list). This film does feature a unique and mysterious story, and Martha Marcy May Marlene could be a nice drama/thriller, so I do want to take a chance on this film.

Hell

[YOUTUBE]3l91z_C7RhM&feature=player_embedded[/YOUTUBE]​

"It was once the source of life, light and warmth. But now the sun has turned the entire world into a baked and barren wasteland. Forests are scorched. Animal carcasses line the roads. Even the nights are dazzlingly bright.

Maria, her little sister Leonie and Phillip are heading for the mountains in a car with tinted glass. Rumor has it water can still be found there. It is a hazardous trip to nowhere. Along the way, they run into Tom. He turns out to be a first-rate mechanic and becomes indispensable. But can they trust him? The tension grows. As if things weren't bad enough, they are lured into an ambush and their real battle for survival begins..."

Hell could be a dramatic and dark post apocalyptic flick. The story sounds decent enough, and I do want to watch this film.

As far as the release date goes, Hell will hit theaters on September 22, but this is an exclusive release date for Germany only, but Hell should have a straight-to-video release when it finally hits the US.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

Take Shelter

Release Date: September 30, 2011

[YOUTUBE]pyCAzqb_260[/YOUTUBE]​

Curtis LaForche lives in a small Ohio town with his wife Samantha and six-year-old daughter Hannah, who is deaf. Curtis makes a modest living as a crew chief for a sand-mining company. Samantha is a stay-at-home mother and part-time seamstress who supplements their income by selling handmade wares at the flea market each weekend. Money is tight, and navigating Hannah’s healthcare and special needs education is a constant struggle. Despite that, Curtis and Samantha are very much in love and their family is a happy one. Then Curtis begins having terrifying dreams about an encroaching, apocalyptic storm. He chooses to keep the disturbance to himself, channeling his anxiety into the obsessive building of a storm shelter in their backyard. His seemingly inexplicable behavior concerns and confounds Samantha, and provokes intolerance among co-workers, friends and neighbors. But the resulting strain on his marriage and tension within the community doesn’t compare to Curtis’ private fear of what his dreams may truly signify. Faced with the proposition that his disturbing visions signal disaster of one kind or another, Curtis confides in Samantha, testing the power of their bond against the highest possible stakes.

Michael Shannon is on my list of underrated actors. He usually delivers solid performances, and he really impressed me with his performance in Revolutionary Road. Shannon could've stole the show in that film, because his performance was outstanding, but his character wasn't showcased enough, and he was overshadowed by two big names in this film (Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet).

Take Shelter features a very mysterious and intriguing story, and this film could be one of the more unique psychological thrillers. I really want to watch this film, and Take Shelter is high up on my list of anticipated films in 2011.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

The Rum Diary

Release Date: October 28, 2011

[YOUTUBE]d6NBRmPoz4w[/YOUTUBE]​

Paul Kemp is a freelance journalist who finds himself at a critical turning point in his life while writing for a run-down newspaper in the Caribbean. Paul is challenged on many levels as he tries to carve out a more secure niche for himself amidst a group of lost souls all bent on self-destruction.

Johnny Depp can deliver a high quality film, but he has been streaky over the years. The Tourist was average at best, Rango isn't going to appeal to everyone, and the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise can always produce an average or mediocre film. Still, I'm going to trust Depp here. I will take a chance on The Rum Diary, because I am curious about this film.

Also, this film could give Amber Heard's career a big boost. If this film receives positive feedback, she could gain a nice rub from Depp, and I would actually like to see it happen. Heard has some potential, but she doesn't have that one good film on her track record yet.

Inside Out

[YOUTUBE]gQ378B7aV9o[/YOUTUBE]​

For the last thirteen years AJ (Triple H) has been behind bars, convicted of manslaughter for killing a man who intended to kill his best friend, Jack (Michael Rapaport). Now released, AJ wants nothing more than to start a small business and live a crime-free life. Unfortunately, within hours of leaving prison, his oldest and best friend, Jack (Michael Rapaport) involves AJ in an accidental shooting in which a man is killed, forcing Jack to skip town.

Jack, a high-strung, low-level mobster, has taken good care of AJs family while he was in prison. When Jacks father and local mob boss Dr. Vic (Bruce Dern) comes looking for retribution, AJ is compelled to protect Jacks family. Jacks family consists of his wife, Claire (Parker Posey), who has never stopped loving her former beau AJ and her teenage daughter Pepper (Juliette Goglia).

Martha, (Julie White) an agent for the Louisiana Tax Board, has been investigating Dr. Vic for smuggling counterfeit cigarettes into Louisiana and tax evasion. She is determined to bring Dr. Vic and Jack down with or without AJs help. In the end, AJ will stop at nothing to protect the woman hes always loved and the daughter he never knew he had.

I couldn't find a release date for this, but this film should have a straight-to-video release.

I will always be a huge Triple H fan, but this trailer doesn't excite me at all. Inside Out looks like your typical mediocre WWE film, and I don't have any expectations for this. When it comes to wrestling, I usually trust the WWE, but their films are awful. They do have a horrible track record, and Inside Out will be another stinker on the very long list of shit WWE films.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

John Carter

Release Date: March 9, 2012

[YOUTUBE]6Rf55GTEZ_E[/YOUTUBE]​

Civil War vet John Carter is transplanted to Mars, where he discovers a lush, wildly diverse planet whose main inhabitants are 12-foot tall green barbarians. Finding himself a prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium, who is in desperate need of a savior.

John Carter could be a fun action/fantasy film. I don't have high expectations for this film, but John Carter could be one of the more enjoyable popcorn flicks in 2012. The 3D release doesn't surprise me, because Disney is obsessed with 3D.

Fireflies In The Garden

Release Date: October 14, 2011

[YOUTUBE]73_AYUPNLN8[/YOUTUBE]​

The semi-autobiographical story centers on the complexities of love and commitment in a family torn apart when faced by an unexpected tragedy.

This film has already had numerous release dates over the past few years, but Fireflies In The Garden will finally land in the US this October.

Surprised to see Julia Roberts here. Roberts has won an Academy Award before, and believe it or not, she was a big name actress for a good amount of years. But Roberts has fallen off of the radar, because Erin Brockovich was her last high quality film, and this was released in 2000.

Fireflies In The Garden could be an emotional drama, but I'm not too crazy about Ryan Reynolds as the lead here. I enjoy his comedy films more, because Reynolds can be funny as the cocky and arrogant douchebag. Usually, his serious stuff doesn't have the same spark, but Reynolds was outstanding in Buried. Also, he will be surrounded by a pretty good cast here, so Reynolds won't have to carry this film.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

[YOUTUBE]BOto6S0Rz64[/YOUTUBE]​

This is the first full trailer for The Skin I Live In. This film has already had a good amount of release dates, but this film will make it's way to the US on October 14, but this will be a limited release.

This trailer is very bizarre and creepy, and The Skin I Live In could be a unique dark drama, and I definitely want to see this.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

The Artist

Release Date: November 23, 2011

[YOUTUBE]ZaYoHR57Q-A[/YOUTUBE]​

Hollywood, 1927: As silent movie star George Valentin wonders if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him to fade into oblivion, he sparks with Peppy Miller, a young dancer set for a big break.

I'll give the studio credit for taking a chance on a silent film in 2011. I'll watch this film, if I can find it. The idea of a silent film in 2011 is intriguing, and The Artist should provide some great nostalgia.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

Undocumented

Trailer,synopsis, and release dates are all inside the following link:http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/26104​

Undocumented could be a creepy and disturbing horror film. The premise sounds interesting enough, but this trailer looks terrible. I know this is a teaser trailer, so we're not supposed to see that much of the film here, but this trailer doesn't boost my curiously level at all. I just see a bunch of guys and one girl being held captive. Obviously, their kidnappers will torture them, but they could've showed a little more footage here, because this trailer does look pretty boring.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

A Dangerous Method

Release Date: November 23, 2011

[YOUTUBE]wAxwGlb858A[/YOUTUBE]​

A look at how the intense relationship between Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud gives birth to psychoanalysis.

A Dangerous Method will hit theaters during Oscar season, and I wouldn't be surprised if this one received a some Oscar nominations. This type of romantic drama always catches the Academy's attention, and someone could walk away with a golden statue. Michael Fassbender impressed me with his performance in X-Men: First Class, and I am a fan of Keira Knightley, so I will watch this film.

The Double

Release date: September 23, 2011

[YOUTUBE]pKRKoZIjiFk[/YOUTUBE]​

A retired CIA operative is paired with a young FBI agent to unravel the mystery of a senator's murder, with all signs pointing to a Soviet assassin.

I'm not to crazy about Martin Sheen and Richard Geere. I can't remember one great performance from from either man, but they have starred in a good amount of films over the years. I don't think they're overrated, because Sheen and Geere have never received that much praise for their work, but both guys usually bore me, so I am on the fence here.

Still, I might give The Double a try. This could be a decent thriller/drama, but Geere and Sheen could ruin this one.

The Woman

Release Date: October 14, 2011 (Limited Release)

[YOUTUBE]gJGEgeHOa4c[/YOUTUBE]​

When a successful country lawyer captures and attempts to "civilize" the last remaining member of a violent clan that has roamed the Northeast coast for decades, he puts the lives of his family in jeopardy.

Yeah, I'm not sure how I should feel about this. The Woman could be something different, or this could be one giant piece of trash. But the concept for this film sounds unique, and The Woman could be a creepy and disturbing horror flick. I don't have high hopes for this, but I will take a chance on The Woman, because I am curious about this film.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

Demons Never Die

Release Date: October 28, 2011 (UK Only)

[YOUTUBE]G_FuDM59JdA[/YOUTUBE]​

"When London teenager Amber Johnson takes her own life, Archie Eden and seven other depressed London teenagers decide to follow her lead and create a suicide pact. As the group begins to die one by one, Archie realizes that they have all become the target of a masked killer and that his own commitment to death has become a terrifying fight for survival and a battle to protect the girl he loves. But who is the killer?"

I usually enjoy slasher flicks, but the story sounds kind of confusing here. The cast of characters create a suicide pact, but they want to survive the attacks from a mysterious killer? They obliviously want to die, so why should they be afraid of a killer? It really doesn't make sense, when you think about it, and the story could be the main weakness for this film.

Demons Never Die could be a watchable film, but the story could be the downfall. Oh, and the blonde chick shouldn't last long. Attractive women in slasher films have a bad survival track record, and I don't think anything will change here.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

Wilde Salome

[YOUTUBE]gULCVyXGoKA[/YOUTUBE]​

Pacino takes us on a journey as he unravels and re-interprets Oscar Wilde's once banned and most controversial work SALOME, a scintillating tale of lust, greed and one woman's scorn.

This film will debut at the Venice International Film Festival, but no other release dates have been set yet.

Pacino's films might be garbage now a days, but Wilde Salome could make it to theaters on a limited release basis, because Pacino still has some name value left, and he could draw decent crowds to theaters. This is Al Pacino's film, because he is the writer, director, and star for this one. Pacino is trying something different here, and I actually want to watch this. This trailer is refreshing, because Wilde Salome doesn't give me that "Oh great. Another stinker from Pacino" feeling.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

American Reunion

Release Date: April 6, 2012

[YOUTUBE]rHCpedyUmXg[/YOUTUBE]​

The class of 1999 return to East Great Falls for their high-school reunion.

I really haven't kept up with the American Pie film series over the years. I stopped caring after American Wedding, because I couldn't stand the dreadful straight-to-video releases. American Reunion should draw fans of the franchise to theaters, and the reunion of the original core cast should provide some nice nostalgia.

Bunraku

September 30, 2011

[YOUTUBE]jVabHVw4dMc[/YOUTUBE]​

The story of a a young man who has spent his life searching for revenge only to find himself up against a bigger challenge than he originally bargained for.

Lucky Number Slevin is probably my favorite Josh Hartnett film. Hartnett is a solid actor, and his character in this film is someone who you can root for. Bunraku should be a unique action/fantasy East meets West film. The cast looks pretty solid, and this film could feature some stunning visuals.

Margaret

Release Date: September 30, 2011

[YOUTUBE]7YAiS-3EhMI[/YOUTUBE]​

A young woman (Paquin) witnesses a bus accident, and is caught up in the aftermath, where the question of whether or not it was intentional affects many people's lives.

Meh. Anna Paquin was okay in the X-Men film series, but she doesn't do anything for me, and I can't get into True Blood. She's a decent enough actress, but I don't think she's capable of carrying a film. Although, Matt Damon is apart of this cast, so this shouldn't be too bad.

Margaret does sound too enticing. I just see a mediocre and sappy drama that will be forgotten shortly after it's release.

The Big Year

Release Date: October 14, 2011

[YOUTUBE]JCBAP2wId5M&feature=relmfu[/YOUTUBE]​

Three avid bird watchers compete to spot the rarest birds in North America at a prestigious annual event.

.....Well, at least they picked the right Wilson brother for this film.

I don't have a problem with Steve Martin or Jack Black, but the bird watching stuff is killing me. I can understand the story of three men trying to find themselves. They're unhappy, and they need to find a spark that will give them new life, but why did the screenwriter have to choose bird watching??? Anyway, The Big Year could be a decent comedy, but this trailer does have that straight-to-video feeling.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

Blackthorn

Release Date: October 7, 2011 (Limited Release)

[YOUTUBE]5FMZDtpMFqk[/YOUTUBE]​

In Bolivia, Butch Cassidy (now calling himself James Blackthorne) pines for one last sight of home, an adventure that aligns him with a young robber and makes the duo a target for gangs and lawmen alike.

Butch Cassidy is one of the most popular outlaws ever, and this could be a solid western. This film could provide some nice nostalgia, and the "what if Butch Cassidy survived" storyline provides an original aspect. I would love to take a chance on this film, because Blackthorn could be one of those unexpected surprises in 2011.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

The Raid

Red Band Trailer

[YOUTUBE]uWlmhMSnVdM[/YOUTUBE]​

"In the heart of Jakarta lies a rundown apart¬ment infested with druggies and drifters. It’s ruled by a ruthless drug lord who uses the tenement to shelter his junkie customers, pushers, enforcers and brutal killers. The apartment block is considered untouch¬able by even the bravest of police—until one early morning when, cloaked under dawn’s dark¬ness, an elite SWAT team, led by officer Rama (Uwais), raids the peril-filled structure. As Rama’s squad races between the maze of rooms and floors, encountering a barrage of gunfire, machetes, and ruthless hand-to-hand combat around every corner, the stakes get higher and higher building to an explosive crescendo and an ultimate battle."

This film already premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, and The Raid will premiere in Indonesia on January 12, 2012, but this film doesn't have any other release dates at this time.

The Raid could be an intense and unique action flick. This trailer does show plenty of violent and fast paced action scenes, and the story does sound intriguing, so I do want to take a chance on this film.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

We Bought A Zoo

Release Date: December 23, 2011

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Set in Southern California, a father moves his young family to the countryside to renovate and re-open a struggling zoo.

We Bought A Zoo should be a fun holiday film, and you can always count on Matt Damon. He usually delivers high quality films, and this film should make a nice splash at the box office. Damon could draw some nice sized crowds, everyone can enjoy this story, and We Bought A Zoo could be one of the more popular feel-good films in 2011.

Premium Rush

Release Date: January 13, 2012

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The film centers on a New York City bicycle messenger (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who picks up an envelope from Columbia University. A dirty cop (Michael Shannon), desperate to get his hands on the envelope, chases the bicycle messenger around the city.

Michael Shannon is a member of the cast here, so this film is on my must-see list. Joesph Gordon-Levitt has grown on me recently. He does have a likeable on-screen personality and tons of potential. Levitt should have a bright future in Hollywood, and 2012 could be a big year for him, because The Dark Knight Rises and Lincoln will receive a lot of attention. Premium Rush could be a unique action/thriller, and the story for this film is very intriguing.

Red Lights

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Centers on a psychologist Margaret Matheson, and her assistant Sally Owen, whose study of paranormal activity leads them to investigate a world-renowned psychic.

Red Lights doesn't have an official release date yet, but this film will hit theaters in 2012.

Trusting De Niro isn't easy these days. He can produce a lot of garbage, and I'm still waiting on that one redeemable surprise. Red Lights could be a solid thriller, and I usually enjoy Sigourney Weaver (Margaret Matheson), so I might take a chance on this next year.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

J. Edgar

Release Date: November 9, 2011

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As the face of law enforcement in America for almost 50 years, J. Edgar Hoover was feared and admired, reviled and revered. But behind closed doors, he held secrets that would have destroyed his image, his career and his life.

Leo wasn't able to win an Oscar for his performance in The Aviator, but he might have better chance with J.Edgar. This film will hit theaters during Oscar season, Clint Eastwood is the director for this one, so this film will receive a lot of attention. A biopic about J. Edgar Hoover will be a big deal at the 2012 Academy Awards, and this film should receive its fair share of nominations. I'm keeping my fingers crossed here, because I would love to see Leo win a gold statue in the Best Actor category.