Looking Ahead at 2007 Movies
By: Brett Deacon |
Saturday January 27, 2007 |
| Can 2007 keep the box office pace? |
| Well, 2007 is upon us and it's time to look ahead at what will be hitting the multiplex (or inevitably the DVD shelf) throughout the year.
Catch & Release Release Date: January 26th Director: Susannah Grant Starring: Jennifer Garner, Timothy Olyphant, Juliette Lewis, Kevin Smith Overview: From writer/director Susannah Grant ("Erin Brockovich") comes a story about a woman (Garner) who finds comfort in her friends after the untimely death of her fiancee. Optimism: Entertaining trailer, good cast, likeability factor on overload. The casting of Kevin Smith is an intriguing factor. Pessimism: Garner's previous RomCom vehicle, "13 Going on 30" left a lot to be desired. Smokin' Aces Release Date: January 26th Director: Joe Carnahan Starring: Jeremy Piven, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Peter Berg, Andy Garcia, Alicia Keys, Ray Liotta, Ryan Reynolds Overview: Jeremy Piven plays Las Vegas performer turned mob informant Buddy "Aces" Israel and is holed up in a Vegas hotel room with a bounty on his head so high that every degenerate hitman comes to town to take him out. Optimism: This is the movie that Joe Carnahan did instead of M:I 3. I'll give him some credit, the trailer looks like it's a helluva lot more fun than M:I 3. And I liked M:I 3 quite a bit. The cast is awesome and Carnahan has shown he's got the chops in Narc. Pessimism: Rarely does a film with such a great cast pan out into a really enjoyable movie (Ocean's Eleven remake not withstanding). And I think Guy Richie's gonna sue somebody. I suspect this movie will be either really great or really bad. Either way, it should be fun. Norbit Release Date: February 9th Director: Brian Robbins Starring: Eddie Murphy, Thandie Newton, Cuba Gooding Jr, Eddie Griffin Overview: Eddie Murphy jumps back into Rick Baker's makeup chair in this comedy about a mousey nerd (Murphy) trapped in a marriage to an overbearing, controlling, and obnoxiously rotund woman (also played by Murphy) who makes his small life a living nightmare. Optimism: Funny, funny trailer. And Murphy appears to be returning to his "leave the kids at home" roots. Pessimism: I love Eddie, but when was the last time he was really funny in a movie? Ghost Rider Release Date: February 16th Director: Mark Steven Johnson Starring: Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Wes Bentley, Sam Elliot, Peter Fonda, Donal Logue Overview: Mark Steven Johnson brings another Marvel character to the big screen, this time with the hero from hell (literally) Ghost Rider. Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage FINALLY getting to do what he's always wanted to do: play a superhero) is a motorcycle stuntman most days, but when "evil" is about he turns into Ghost Rider. Careful what you wish for, Nic. Based on the Marvel Comic. Optimism: It'll be great to see Wes Bentley finally use his creepy eyebrows in a villainous role. Pessimism: I enjoyed Daredevil, but it seemed tame to me given the dark nature of the character in the comics. Now Johnson's given an even darker character and the trailer makes it seem a little light and fluffy for most Ghost Rider fans. Black Snake Moan Release Date: February 23rd Director: Craig Brewer Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Christina Ricci, Justin Timberlake Overview: Craig Brewer's first film after his breakout hit, "Hustle and Flow" features Samuel L. Jackson as a backwater blues man who takes it upon himself to tame the local slut (Christina Ricci doing a trailer park trash Paris Hilton - I know, not that much of a stretch) Optimism: Well, there's badass Sam Jackson himself doing what I'm sure a lot of people would like to do to poor white trash. Plus, it's a cool-as-hell title. Pessimism: Haven't we gotten enough of this kind of stuff on reality TV? Could this turn out like a bad mix of Cops and The Jerry Springer Show? Zodiac Release Date: March 2nd Director: David Fincher Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr. Overview: Based on Robert Graysmith's books, this movie tells the mostly true story about the hunt for the Zodiac Killer in 1970's San Francisco. Optimism: It's David Fincher's return to Se7en territory. Great cast, stylish director with success in the genre, and a compelling story. Pessimism: The same things were said about "The Black Dahlia." 
300 Release Date: March 9th Director: Zack Snyder Starring: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham Overview: Based on Frank Miller's graphic novel, it's a fictionalized tale of the legendary Battle of Thermopylae, wherein 300 Spartans stood toe to toe with a million-strong Persian army. Optimism: This film has produced not one but TWO of the coolest trailers I've seen in a long time. It seems to combine the best parts of Gladiator and Sin City, and if you mix the best parts of those two movies you could end up with something pretty damn cool. Pessimism: The film could always be everything the trailer is not (I hate it when that happens). Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Release Date: March 23rd Director: Kevin Munroe Voice Talents: Patrick Stewart, Mako, Chris Evans, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Billy West, Kevin Smith Overview: Pizza craving turtles in a half shell make their return to the big screen, this time minus the voice talents of one Corey Feldman. Pessimism: Previous TMNT incarnations have been less than impressive; nobody has yet to capture the spirit of Eastman & Laird's comics. Optimism: Trailer seems to indicate that it'll take ninja turtles more seriously this time around. Rescue Dawn Release Date: March 30th Director: Werner Herzog Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Zahn, Jeremy Davies Overview: A POW story about an airman shot down and captured by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Optimism: Christian Bale is on a roll... Pessimism: ... Werner Herzog on the other hand is not. Unless it's a documentary about a guy getting mauled by a bear, that is. Hot Fuzz Release Date: April 13th Director: Edgar Wright Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Timothy Dalton Overview: The creative team behind one of my favorite films of late, "Shaun of the Dead," reunite for a cop movie. Top London cop (Pegg) is transferred to a small town. Hilarity ensues. Optimism: Hilarity, in all likelihood, WILL ensue. Hysterical trailer. IF this movie is half as funny as "Shaun of the Dead" you'll feel satisfied. Pessimism: When was the last time Timothy Dalton was in a good movie? The Kingdom Release Date: April 20th Director: Peter Berg Starring: Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Kyle Chandler, Jeremy Piven Overview: From up-and-coming screenwriter Matthew Carnahan (yes, Joe's bro) comes a political thriller about an FBI team sent in to investigate an attack on an American compound in Saudi Arabia. Optimism: Peter Berg's films have gotten better and better. He's shown a deft hand at action ("The Rundown") and gripping, real drama ("Friday Night Lights") so it'll be great to see what he does with this material. This movie is part "CSI," part "Blackhawk Down." That's not bad company. Pessimism: Political thrillers are tricky animals. 
Grind House Release Date: April 26th Directors: Quentin Tarantino ("Death Proof") / Robert Rodriguez ("Planet Terror") Starring: Rosario Dawson, Kurt Russell, Zoe Bell, Michael Biehn Overview: Two 90-minute movies back to back with some interesting "trailers" sandwiched in between. Tarantino's "Death Proof" is about a homicidal and seemingly indestructible stunt man (Kurt Russell). Rodriguez' "Planet Terror" is your classic zombie and stripper movie. Optimism: Next to "300," this has to be the biggest geek anticipation of the Spring (let's count Spider-Man 3 as summer). It's Tarantino and Rodriguez...TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE! Pessimism: Previous collaborations between Rodriguez and Tarantino have left a lot to be desired ("From Dusk 'Til Dawn," "Four Rooms") Spider-Man 3 Release Date: May 4th Director: Sam Raimi Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Topher Grace, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, Bryce Dallas Howard Overview: Summer season 2007 kicks off with a BANG as Spidey swings back into action. It's the third (and potentially last from Raimi) installment in the cinematic Spidey saga. Early plot lines are sketchy, but it seems to include Spider-Man getting "possessed" by the alien symbiote bringing out his dark side and risking everything he holds dear. Also, cast includes an appearance by Gwen Stacy (played by Bryce Dallas Howard). I hope she stays away from bridges. Optimism: It's freakin' Spider-Man! Everyone returns and this time they add two intriguing villains in Sandman and fan favorite Venom. Pessimism: 3rd movies are rarely the best (See: "Return of the Jedi", "Superman 3", "Lethal Weapon 3", "X-Men 3") Shrek The Third Release Date: May 18th Directors: Chris Miller / Raman Hui Voice Talents: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, John Cleese, Rupert Everett, Eric Idle, Justin Timberlake Overview: Shrek is faced with the possibility of taking the throne of Far Far Away when his father-in-law falls ill. The whole gang returns, even Puss-N-Boots. Optimism: The previous two Shrek movies have been pretty successful. Pessimism: I've always felt the Shrek movies were too cheeky for their own good. Too many wink-wink references for adults always seem insulting to kids. And this installment doesn't look any different. Also, third movies are rarely the best... Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End Release Date: May 25th Director: Gore Verbinski Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Chow Yun-Fat Overview: Captain Barbossa leads the crew of the Black Pearl (minus the Black Pearl) to the end of the world to rescue Captain Jack Sparrow. Optimism: Captain Jack Sparrow is one of the most originally entertaining characters to come along, and in an era where action heroes are based on comics or previous action franchises that's saying something. Plus, well, Keira Knightley is hot. Pessimism: I just woke up after trying to get through Pirates 2. Also, third movies are hardly ever… Ocean's 13 Release Date: June 8th Director: Steven Soderbergh Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Al Pacino, Ellen Barkin, and everyone else. Overview: Back in Vegas after the much maligned European adventure in "Ocean's Twelve" (hey, I enjoyed it). This time Danny Ocean and gang team up with Terry Benedict to rob another casino owner, Willie Blanks (Al Pacino). Is this what rich people do when they're bored? Optimism: Throwing Pacino into this mix is an intriguing addition. And these movies are always fun. Pessimism: Where the hell is Julia? And something about 3rd movies, I can't quite put my finger on. 
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer Release Date: June 15th Director: Tim Story Starring: Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon, Kerry Washington, Doug Jones Overview: The Silver Surfer comes from outer space to ready the planet Earth for the arrival of the planet-eater, Galactus. Presumably he'll bring seasoning. Optimism: The trailer just hit the web recently and I'll admit, the Silver Surfer looks pretty bad-ass. And comic book movies tend to work best after the characters have already had their origin story told. Pessimism: Did anyone see the first Fantastic Four movie? Yeesh.. Evan Almighty Release Date: June 22nd Director: Tom Shadyac Starring: Steve Carell, Lauren Graham, Morgan Freeman, and John Goodman Overview: Former Buffalo anchorman Evan Baxter (previously seen in "Bruce Almighty" as Bruce's foil) is visited by God and tasked to build an ark. Hilarity ensues when animals begin showing up two by two. Optimism: Carell's one of the emerging talents working in film today (comedy or otherwise). And I'd show up to a film involving Morgan Freeman reading a phone book for two hours, so I'm certainly there for this one. Pessimism: Wasn't his character in "Bruce Almighty" written to be a jerk? And how is a guy building an ark "almighty?" Live Free or Die Hard Release Date: June 29th Director: Len Wiseman Starring: Bruce Willis, Justin Long, Timothy Olyphant, Kevin Smith Overview: McClane returns to help computer terrorists on the 4th of July. Presumably he's not going to be spending much time behind a computer typing "Yippee Ki-Yay motherfuckers LOL." Optimism: It's fucking Die Hard! McClane is back whuppin' some ass! Also, the film seems to be gimmick-free. No "Die Hard in a building" or "Die Hard in an airport" or "Die Hard in Manhattan." The teaser trailer showed off what could be some of the best action sequences in the franchise. And that's saying something. Pessimism: Len Wiseman didn't exactly light the world on fire with his "Underworld" franchise and long-toothed action franchises tend to sputter out when they hit number 4 (see: "Lethal Weapon 4"). Also, I still say the title is silly. Again, be uniform throughout w/ quote marks... Ratatouille Release Date: June 29th Directors: Brad Bird / Jan Pinkava Voice Talents: Patton Oswalt, Brian Dennehy, Brad Garrett, Ian Holm Overview: A young rat in Paris has dreams of becoming a gourmet chef. Optimism: Brad Bird's first outing with Pixar ("The Incredibles") was fantastic and Pixar hasn't let us down yet. Pessimism: French rats in Paris? Transformers Release Date: July 4th Director: Michael Bay Starring: Shia LeBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhammel, Tyrese Gibson, Jon Voight, Peter Cullen (voice), Frank Welker (voice) Overview: Based on the popular '80s cartoon series (or more accurately the '80s toy line), two warring races of transforming robots battle it out on Earth. Humans caught in the crossfire. News at 11. Optimism: Cool-as-hell trailer. Modern special effects should make live action transforming vehicles worth the price of admission alone. Pessimism: It's fucking Michael Bay! Anyone remember how awesome the trailer for Armageddon was? How great was the teaser for Pearl Harbor?! How many times are we going to fall for this? Also, the TV show was cheesy as hell and Bay's not known for skimming the cheese. 
Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix Release Date: July 13th Director: David Yates Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Gary Oldman, Ralph Fiennes Overview: Director David Yates is handed the reigns of the fifth Harry Potter film. This time Harry tries to warn everyone about evil Lord Voldemort's return. Naturally, nobody believes him. Optimism: The Harry Potter movies have always been consistently entertaining. Pessimism: New screenwriter (Steven Kloves had written the previous four) and the last film director David Yates made was the brilliant, albeit stoic, "The Girl In The Cafe." I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry Release Date: July 20th Director: Dennis Dugan Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Jessica Biel, Ving Rhames, Dan Aykroyd Overview: Two straight firefighters pretend to be a gay couple in order to receive state benefits. Optimism: Sandler vehicles are always good for a giggle. Rob Schneider, no doubt, will turn up at some point to shout "You can DEW it!" Pessimism: It's lightweight edgy, which means that it's probably not really all that edgy at all. Much of the "Hey, we we're only pretending to be gay... not that there's anything wrong with that!" type humor. Also, while Sandler vehicles are entertaining, they're also painfully predictable. The Simpsons Movie Release Date: July 27th Director: David Silverman Voice Talents: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer, Albert Brooks, Joe Mantegna, Kelsey Grammer Overview: The Simpsons hit the big screen. And that's about all I know. Cast seems to indicate that many of the guest-voice favorites will be there such as Sideshow Bob (Grammer) and Fat Tony (Joe Mantegna). Albert Brooks is listed, so could Hank Scorpio make an appearance? (Oh please let it be true!!!) Optimism: It's the fucking Simpsons! Pessimism: Um, what's it about? The Bourne Ultimatum Release Date: August 3rd Director: Paul Greengrass Starring: Matt Damon, Joan Allen, Edgar Ramirez, David Strathairn, Julia Stiles Overview: The final Bourne novel comes to the big screen (although they're so far beyond the Ludlum books at this point they're just using the title). This third installment finds Bourne trying to track down his real identity. (Shouldn't that have been the first movie?) Optimism: Greengrass really improved on the first Bourne film (directed by Doug Liman), adding a gritty realism that was so well received it basically changed the Bond franchise (see: "Casino Royale"). And Damon is always great as the superspy Bourne. Pessimism: AGAIN!!! THIRD MOVIE!!! The Invasion Release Date: August 17th Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel Starring: Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Malin Ackerman Overview: A loose remake of the 1957 classic "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." Nicole Kidman plays a Washington D.C. psychologist who discovers an alien disease that threatens to wipe out the entire population. Optimism: Kidman and newly minted "James Bond" Daniel Craig are an intriguing pair to be cast together in a film. Pessimism: It's a story that's been remained countless times and never has it been as good as the original. The horse may be dead, folks, put down the sticks. 
Michael Clayton Release Date: September 14th Director: Tony Gilroy Starring: George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Sydney Pollack Overview: A star defense attorney's past comes back to haunt him on his last days of his career. Optimism: Tony Gilroy's a talented screenwriter and Clooney has a knack for finding good projects for himself. Pessimism: Screenwriters don't always make the best jumps to directors. 3:10 to Yuma Release Date: October 12th Director: James Mangold Starring: Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Peter Fonda, Gretchen Mol, Alan Tudyk Overview: A remake of the 1957 film of the same name, a small-time rancher (Bale) is tasked with holding a notorious outlaw (Crowe) until his train arrives to take him to Yuma for trial. Presumably, the train leaves at 3:10. Sounds easy right? It is, until the outlaw's gang gets word of where he is... Optimism: Crowe's first Western since Sam Raimi's "The Quick & The Dead," a genre in which it would seem he was born to excel. And Mangold's last film ("Walk The Line") was pretty darn good; he appears to be headed back to "Copland" territory. Also based on an Elmore Leonard story. Pessimism: Modern Westerns are a rarity for a very good reason; they rarely draw the kinds of audiences they guaranteed half a century ago. American Gangster Release Date: November 12th Director: Ridley Scott Starring: Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Carla Gugino Overview: Russell Crowe & Denzel Washington paired again for the first time since 1997's "Virtuosity." This time, Crowe is New Jersey cop Richie Roberts, trying to bring down notorious, 1970s-Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Washington), who smuggles drugs in from Vietnam in the caskets of dead soldiers. Optimism: Crowe & Washington are two heavyweights. Throw in Ridley Scott and it could be fried gold. (nothing about Ejiofor??!?!? He's awesome!!) Pessimism: Ridley Scott's last pet project was "A Good Year." I Am Legend Release Date: December 14th Director: Francis Lawrence Starring: Will Smith, Alice Braga Overview: Based on the same Richard Matheson novel as Charlton Heston's "Omega Man," Robert Neville (Smith) is one of the last survivors of a horrible plague that has killed off most of the population and turned the rest into vampire-like creatures. Optimism: Francis Lawrence did a very underrated job with "Constantine." Pessimism: Script languished in development hell, and instead of sticking with a superb draft by Mark Protosevich, the final was written by Akiva "I wrote the worst two Batmans" Goldsman. National Treasure: The Book of Secrets Release Date: December 21st Director: Jon Turtletaub Starring: Nicolas Cage, Justin Bartha, Diane Kruger, Harvey Keitel, Jon Voight Overview: Historical treasure hunter Benjamin Gates (Cage) returns to help find President Lincoln's lost diary, which may hold the key to his assassination and other national secrets. Optimism: First movie was a lot of fun... Pessimism: ... but it didn't really scream out for a sequel. Charlie Wilson's War Release Date: December 25th Director: Mike Nichols Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams Overview: Based on a true story, follows the efforts of Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson's efforts to help the Afghani rebels defeat the Soviet insurgents. Optimism: Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts have long been dream casting. Mike Nichols is one of cinema's best. Philip Seymour Hoffman isn't half bad either. Also, it boasts a screenplay by Aaron Sorkin. Pessimism: Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts together in a film is something everyone wanted 10-15 years ago. And this genre doesn't seem to be Nichols' forte. Fred Claus Release Date: Holidays Director: David Dobkin Starring: Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, Kevin Spacey, Miranda Richardson Overview: Santa's bitter older brother is forced to move to the North Pole Optimism: Dobkin and Vaughn teamed up well for "Wedding Crashers." Very intriguing cast with Vaughn, Giamatti, and Spacey. Pessimism: There hasn't been a great holiday comedy since "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" in 1989. Gone Baby, Gone Release Date: Fall Director: Ben Affleck Starring: Casey Affleck, Morgan Freeman, Michelle Monaghan Overview: Adapted from the Dennis Lehane novel of the same name, Casey Affleck plays ??? Optimism: Ben Affleck was one half of the Oscar-winning writing team of "Good Will Hunting," and he's directing a film in his backyard. There's a lot of positive buzz surrounding the production of this one. Pessimism: Remove Affleck's name from the equation: First time director, hasn't written a script in 10 years. Does that make you excited to see the film? The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford Release Date: TBD Director: Andrew Dominik Starring: Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Zooey Deschanel, Sam Rockwell Overview: Based on the last days of the James gang. Optimsim: Couldn't be any worse that Colin Farrell's turn as Jesse James in "American Outlaws." Pessimism: If it isn't, it's gonna be a loooong winter… Also, this film has been finished for quite awhile; usually when films are shelved it's because they're not very good. Southland Tales Release Date: TBD Director: Richard Kelly Starring: Sarah Michelle Gellar, The Rock, Seann William Scott, Mandy Moore, Justin Timberlake Overview: I honestly have no idea what this movie is about, something about near-future Los Angeles on the brink of a social and economic meltdown. Optimism: Intriguing cast and a very talented young writer / director who brought us "Donnie Darko." I am a big fan of the Kelly-scripted "Domino." Pessimism: Extremely mixed reviews at Cannes apparently sent Kelly back to the editing room. And I was one of the few fans of the Kelly-scripted "Domino." |
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