June 2006

We see tons of films and get to discussing them from time to time and often wax nostalgic on films we would rather see made than what we’ve just witnessed.  I’m a big fan of Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise and the sequel made a decade later Before Sunset.  I’ve wondered why other great romances aren’t given a second look a few years down the line.  The one I’d most like to see would be a sequel to my favorite Cameron Crowe film of all time about a kickboxer and princess…

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1989’s Say Anything… remains one of my favorite films.  The tale of opposites attracting has never been more memorable, more engaging, more fun, or more sweet. 

I enjoyed Linklater reuniting Ethan Hawke and Julie Delphy’s characters from Before Sunrise to let us see those same characters years later in Before Sunset (read that review here).  I would love to see Cameron Crowe do the same and reunite the kickboxing Lloyd with the brainy Diane.

What happened to those two young lovebirds when the plane touched down in London?  Are they together or apart?  Let these two reunite and bring all of us along for the ride!  We’ve been smashed from all sides with recent ridiculous and horrific pseudo-romantic-comedies and I for one would like something a little more meaningful.  I’ve been critical of Crowe’s last two films (Vanilla Sky and Elizabethtown) which lack the heart of these characters, but I wish he’d revisit these two and see where they would take us.

So what’s out there this week.  Well today we’ll take a look at the films scheduled to be released this Friday which include Adam Sandler in control of all reality, an ex-con being pulled back into the world of crime, a controversal look at the policies and prisoners of Guatanamo Bay, and a documentary on Leonard Cohen.  All that and more; read on.

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Here’s what’s scheduled to hit theaters this week.  Want to know more, just click on the title for film info including a full cast list.  Want a closer look, just click on the poster to watch the trailer.

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The latest from Adam Sandler “borrows” its plot from such memorable films as Stay Tuned and Clockstoppers.  Sandler plays a workaholic who discovers a universal remote that allows him to control reality by freezing, rewinding, and fastforwarding time.  Along for the ride on this one are Kate Beckinsale (sans rubber suit), David Hasselhoff (sans talking car and swimsuit), Henry Winkler (sans leather jacket), Sean Astin (sans hairy feet), and Chrisopther Walken (crazy as ever).  The film marks a reuniting with Sandler and director Frank Coraci (The Waterboy).

Waist Deep

The latest from director Vondi Curtis-Hall (Glitter, Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story), finds ex-con (Tyrese Gibson – he of Fast and the Furious 2 fame) trying to live a clean life removed from his past but is pulled back in when his son is kidnapped during a carjacking.  Yeah, I think I’ve seen this once or twice before before with the clean living con forced back into the world of crime; not exactly an original premise but what do you expect from the director of Glitter?.  Rounding out the cast this time are Larenz Tate (Crash), Meagan Good (Roll Bounce, Brick), rapper “The Game,” and Darris Love.

Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man (limited release)

A new documentary by director Lian Lunson (Willie Nelson: Down Home) focuses on the life and music of singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen.  The film is compiled from interviews and performances, mostly from the tribute to Cohen in 2005 at the Sydney Opera House, by Cohen, Bono and the Edge from U2, Anthony Hegarty, Rufus and Martha Wainwright, Linda Thompson, Anthony Hagerty, Anna and Kate McGarrigle, Hal Wilner, Nick Cave, Julie Christensen, and more.  The film has recieved mixed reviews as many feel the actual man is barely profiled in what appears to be more a celebration of his work than a true documentary.

The Road to Guantanamo (limited release)

Co-directors Michael Winterbttom (In This World, Tristam Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story, Wonderland) and Mat Whitecross attempt to tell the tale of the Tipton Three – three Islamic friends, all British citizens, who were held in Guantanamo Bay, without ever being charged with a crime, for two years.  The critical look at America’s post 9/11 policies is sure to stir some controversy.  The film has been praised and attacked by groups for its disturbing portrayl of the US military and government’s knowledge and acceptance of these circumstances.  The film stars Riz Ahmed, Farhad Harun, Afran Usman, Shahid Iqbal, and Jason Salkey.

Wassup Rockers (New York)

Hispanic teens blow-off the hip-hop craze in South Central L.A. and grab their skateboards and rock out to pun rock.  Escaping to Beverly Hills they run into trouble with cops and the eccentric elite as they become lost in la-la land and learn important lessons about themselves and the world.  The latest from writer/director Larry Clark (Kids, Bully) was picked as the opening night film for the Slamdance Film Festival.  Like Clark’s other works this stars a collection of unknowns – Jonathan Valasquez, Fransico Pedrasa, Milton Velasquez, Yunior Usualdo Panameno, Luis Rojas-Salagado, Iris Zelaya, ad Ashlye Maldonado.

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