Checking in

Given that I just promoted the film, it would probably make sense to share with all of you the trailer for Wes Anderson's latest, The Grand Budapest Hotel so you can see for yourself whether or not this is a film for you. As for me, I've already made my reservations.

2014 Movie Preview: #9 - The Grand Budapest Hotel

Release date: March 7

Plot summary: "The Grand Budapest Hotel" recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune -- all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent.

My take: Even though I pride myself on being a movie fan, I never really discovered the films of Wes Anderson until I finally saw his 2012 film Moonrise Kingdom. Since then I have gone back and watched some of his earlier stuff and have been impressed with the oddball stories and visual flair that he creates in each of his movies. Now I am as anxious to see what he produces next in the same way I do with some of my other favorite directors. This film looks to be no different in terms of quirkiness and boasts an impressive casts that mixes Anderson regulars with new, but familiar faces. I'm sure not a lot of people will see this, but I'll be happy to be one of the few.

RBR: Side Effects

It feels like it's been forever since I actually saw this film, but I'm just now getting around to putting up my review. Let's see how well I can remember my thoughts on it. Rooney Mara stars as Emily, a young woman who is struggling after the recent release of her husband (Channing Tatum) who was doing prison time for insider trading. Emily begins seeing a therapist (Jude Law) who prescribes a new drug to help her deal with her issues. A side effect of the drug is that it causes her to sleepwalk. During one of her sleepwalking episodes she unknowingly stabs her husband with a knife, killing him. From there the film takes several twists and turns as it is unclear as to who truly is responsible for this death. Directed by Steven Soderbergh in what is apparently his last film, Side Effects begins very compelling. Soderbergh creates a great sense of mystery and suspense. The social commentary on the over-reliance on prescription medication also feels fresh and compelling. The film somewhat comes off the rails in the second half with a few too many twists that make it confusing as to some of the characters' motives for their actions and how they benefitted from them. By the film's end you're left unsure as to whether or not the right people got their comeuppance or not. Still, the film is mostly enjoyable thanks to Soderbergh style, which will be missed if he makes his retirement stick. Fans of thrillers would be well off if they made an effort to check this film out. It's an easy prescription for me to fill.

Bad medicine

The subject matter of Side Effects doesn't exactly seem like it would be the type of film that I would gravitate toward, but given that this is being directed by Steven Soderbergh, I'm inherently interested in it. Here's the first trailer to watch and see what you think.

Holmes run

The latest trailer for Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows hit the web yesterday and I continue to be stoked for this new film. And hooray for the brief Rachel McAdams appearance in this trailer. Check it out for yourself.