The Oscar Project
It's the second weekend of September and it looks like there is something for everyone this weekend. If you're into action, look no further than The Predator. For psychological thriller, check out A Simple Favor. If hard hitting drama is more your speed, look for White Boy Rick and for a historical biopic, you can go see Unbroken.
There is also an extensive list of limited release films of all varieties, some including big name actors like Nicholas Cage, Julianne Moore, Emma Thompson, and Stanley Tucci just to name a few.
The Predator
I never got to see the 2010 version of this film with Adrien Brody other than recently catching the last five minutes on television and it's been a long time since I've seen the original Schwarzenegger version so I'm coming at this somewhat blind. From what I've seen an read, it seems like the titular characters are pursuing their hunting games on earth, and it's up to a ragtag bunch of soldiers and mercenaries to stop them. This is certainly not your father's Predator, but from the very red band trailer below, you can definitely expect plenty of action, fancy predator vision shots and a much livelier dialog with the inclusion of comedian Keegan-Michael Key (Keanu, Let's Be Cops).
Ultimately, this may have a small impact on how well the film does at the box-office, but I don't see any impact on potential for Oscar nominations in January. The only areas where I see potential here are for things like sound mixing and editing as well as visual effects.
A Simple Favor
What I initially thought was a sort of romantic comedy from director Paul Feig (Freaks and Geeks, The Heat) turns out to be anything but. Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect) plays Stephanie who is thrust into the life of fellow mom Emily (Blake Lively) who lives a much more lavish lifestyle. After Emily suddenly disappears, Stephanie begins to search for her, but starts uncovering deep secrets from her past. This feels like one of those carefully constructed trailers where the entire purpose is to throw the viewer off the scent of what's really going on in this film and to that end, I'm skeptical that it will be able to deliver on the promise of suspense and intrigue.
When all is said and done, I don't foresee any major Oscar nominations for this film. It will entertain and unless the twist ending is one in the style of The Sixth Sense (which I doubt) it would be hard pressed to get any buzz for categories at the Oscars.
Unbroken: Path to Redemption
If you know anything about the story of Louis Zamperini, you know this film will grab you by the heartstrings and not let go. The film, a follow up to 2014's Unbroken which chronicled the story of Zamperini up to the end of his captivity in Japan during WWII, picks up where the first film left off and covers his return to America and the development of his Christian faith after attending a Billy Graham church revival. Likely a different tone than the first film, it has been described as a "spiritual sequel" to the original and while still based on the book Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, the cast is different and we no longer have Angelina Jolie in the director's chair or the Coen brothers in charge of the writing duties.
Unlike its predecessor, I do not see this film receiving any Oscar nominations in January.
White Boy Rick
In what was originally supposed to be a limited release followed by a wide release next week, White Boy Rick is steamrolling into theaters across the country this weekend and boy does it look like a while ride! I'm a little curious that Matthew McConaughey isn't getting more Oscar buzz for this role. After his Oscar win for his leading role in Dallas Buyers Club in 2013, it's been a while since he's been in a film with such gravity. While it is based on a true story, the images we see throughout the trailer are almost too crazy to be believed. How could someone i their teens become known as a drug kingpin, street hustler, and even an FBI informant, all while starting off following in his father's footsteps? While I'm sure we won't get the full story in this film, I trust that there will be plenty to talk about after seeing the film.
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AuthorI'm just a film buff who wants to watch great movies. Where else to find the best, than the list of those nominated by the Academy each year? Archives
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