By: Rico Albarracin and Steve Mesa/Student Media Staff
The Ides of March: Oct. 7
Three years after his last directorial effort in “Leatherheads,” George Clooney returns to the director’s chair with “The Ides of March.” Based on the play “Farragut North,” the film is about a campaign press secretary (Ryan Gosling) who finds himself involved in a political scandal that threatens his candidate’s (Clooney) shot at the presidency.
Clooney has starred in politically charged movies such as “Syriana,” which won him an Oscar and “Michael Clayton,” which won him an Oscar nomination.
These honors prove that he excels in the roles he plays. Clooney also scored an Oscar nomination as best director for his last serious directorial film, “Good Night and Good Luck.” With his roles in “Crazy, Stupid, Love” and “Drive,” Ryan Gosling is quickly becoming the most wanted actor in Hollywood. “The Ides of March” has a great ensemble to boot that also includes actors Paul Giamatti and Phillip Seymour Hoffman as rival campaign managers and Marisa Tomei as a reporter.
Martha May Marcy Marlene: Oct. 21
“Martha May Marcy Marlene” tells the story of Martha (Elisabeth Olsen), a young woman who is trying to live a normal life with her family after fleeing from a cult and its abusive leader (John Hawkes).
As she tries to move on with her life, she is still haunted by painful memories of her days in the cult. She also becomes paranoid and fearful that the cult would come looking for her.
The movie premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival to raving reviews and good word-of-mouth – thanks to the performance of Olsen, who happens to be the younger sister of the Olsen twins.
Not only is this Sean Durkin’s first film, but he also won the directing award at Sundance.
A Dangerous Method: Nov. 23
Set on the eve of World War I, “A Dangerous Method” takes a look at the relationship among psychiatrist Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender), his mentor Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) and a troubled young woman named Sabrina (Keira Knightley).
It is through his dealings with Sabrina that Jung uses groundbreaking methods in psychoanalysis that were devised by Freud. However, a patient (Vincent Cassell) sent by Freud ends up influencing Jung to engage in a sexual relationship with Sabrina.
“A Dangerous Method” is director David Cronenberg’s first film since his Russian gangster flick, “Eastern Promises,” where he once again works with his “Eastern Promises” actors, Viggo Mortensen and Vincent Cassell. Michael Fassbender is quickly becoming another sought-after actor in Hollywood after his roles in “Hunger,” “Inglorious Basterds” and “X-Men: First Class.”
Two things to look forward to: Fassbender’s role as Jung, his first role that is based on a real person, and how Cronenberg further explores the combined themes of sexuality and psychology.
The Rum Diary:
Oct. 28
Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp) trades the hectic life of New York City for the rum-soaked party in Puerto Rico. Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart), a businessman involved in shady property development deals, is one of a growing number of American entrepreneurs who are determined to convert Puerto Rico into a capitalist paradise for the wealthy.
When Kemp is recruited by Sanderson to write favorably about his latest unsavory scheme, the journalist is presented with a choice: to use his words for the corrupt businessmen’s financial benefit, or use them to take down the greedy men.
After watching the trailer, “Rum Diary” looks like a fun film with potential to gain some awards, with Depp bringing a drunk comedic touch, reminiscent of his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow from the “Pirates” franchise.
The performances to watch in this movie are Amber Heard and Eckhart. Heard adds a sexy female figure to the mix and Eckhart can pull off the villain role, as he did in “The Dark Knight,” in order to make “Rum Diary” a great film.
The Muppets:
Nov. 23
The world’s biggest Muppet fan, Walter, is on vacation in Los Angeles when he and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams), from Smalltown, USA, discover oilman Tex Richman’s evil plan to destroy the Muppet Theater and drill in search for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets Theater.
To save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary assist Kermit in reuniting the Muppets. The plan is to stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater.
Although I have never really been a fan of The Muppets, the movie has me excited for a few things. The marketing campaign for the movie has been one of the best in years.
With parodies of other movie trailers, such as “The Hangover II” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “The Muppets” is setting itself up for a great Thanksgiving weekend opening. Cameos by Neil Patrick Harris, Paul Rudd and Zach Galifianakis should enhance the dialogue, written by the film’s lead actor, Jason Segel. Segel has written comedies such as “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Get Him to the Greek.”
With the track record that Segel has set so far, the film should provide humor for both kids and adults.
Reel to Reel is a weekly movie review column. Look for it everr Friday this Fall.
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