Plot: When Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) discovers evidence of the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati - the most powerful underground organization in history - he also faces a deadly threat to the existence of the secret organization's most despised enemy: the Catholic Church. When Langdon learns that the clock is ticking on an unstoppable Illuminati time bomb, he jets to Rome, where he joins forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and enigmatic Italian scientist. Embarking on a nonstop, action-packed hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals, and even to the heart of the most secretive vault on earth, Langdon and Vetra will follow a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols that mark the Vatican's only hope for survival.
Personal opinion: I'll be the first to admit that The Da Vinci Code was a flawed film. But Hanks and director Ron Howard are smart people and probably understood the problems people had with the film. I think they can correct those problems and make a much better sequel. Helping their cause is the fact that Angels and Demons was a much better book. I have my trepidations about this, but I want to believe it one will be good.
9. I Love You, Man (March 20)
Plot: Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) is a successful real estate agent who, upon getting engaged to the woman of his dreams, Zooey (Rashida Jones), discovers, to his dismay and chagrin, that he has no male friend close enough to serve as his Best Man. Peter immediately sets out to rectify the situation, embarking on a series of bizarre and awkward "man-dates," before meeting Sydney Fife (Jason Segel), a charming, opinionated man with whom he instantly bonds. But the closer the two men get, the more Peter's relationship with Zooey suffers, ultimately forcing him to choose between his fiancee and his new found "bro," in a story that comically explores what it truly means to be a "friend."
Personal opinion: I pretty much gave my two cents on this a few weeks ago when I posted the trailer. If you look at the cast, it has an all-star lineup of comedic actors. I don't see how this can miss. What will be interesting to see though is that this is the third film on my list scheduled to come out on March 20th. Either one of those films is terrible or someone will be changing dates. Only time will tell which it is.
8. State of Play (April 17)
Plot: Oscar® winner Russell Crowe leads an all-star cast in a blistering thriller about a rising congressman and an investigative journalist embroiled in an case of seemingly unrelated, brutal murders. Crowe plays D.C. reporter Cal McCaffrey, whose street smarts lead him to untangle a mystery of murder and collusion among some of the nation's most promising political and corporate figures in "State of Play," from acclaimed director Kevin Macdonald ("The Last King of Scotland").
Personal opinion: This is a remake of a British miniseries which was widely acclaimed. So with solid source material and an A-list cast which also features Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman, and Helen Mirren this seems like it'll be an excellent thriller that comes out just before the summer season begins. Based on the trailer, it seems like this is a perfect role for Crowe, who almost always does great work.
7. Year One (June 19)
Plot: When a couple of lazy hunter-gatherers (Jack Black and Michael Cera) are banished from their primitive village, they set off on an epic journey through the ancient world in Columbia Pictures' comedy "Year One." Harold Ramis directs. The screenplay is by Harold Ramis & Gene Stupnitsky & Lee Eisenberg ("The Office") from a story by Harold Ramis. The film is produced by Judd Apatow, Harold Ramis, and Clayton Townsend.
Personal opinion: If you're not already sold based on that plot description, then I present this photo from EW to seal the deal:
Case closed. I cannot wait for this one!
6. The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (June 12)
Plot: In "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3," Denzel Washington stars as New York City subway dispatcher Walter Garber, whose ordinary day is thrown into chaos by an audacious crime: the hijacking of a subway train. John Travolta stars as Ryder, the criminal mastermind who, as leader of a highly-armed gang of four, threatens to execute the train's passengers unless a large ransom is paid within one hour. As the tension mounts beneath his feet, Garber employs his vast knowledge of the subway system in a battle to outwit Ryder and save the hostages. But there's one riddle Garber can't solve: even if the thieves get the money, how can they possibly escape?
Personal opinion: This is a remake of a 1974 film. I never saw that one, but I'm really intrigued by the plot. When you factor in big name stars like Washington and Travolta, it seems like you have the formula for a winner. It also helps that Washington is working once again with director Tony Scott. That combination almost always produces a film that I want to see. Amongst a summer full of noisy action movies, I'm hoping this will be the smart thriller that works as effective counter-programming.
No comments:
Post a Comment