Another week comes and goes and thus we have a another batch of new films in cinemas nationwide vying for ultimate box office glory. This weeks slate is a little more bare than usual with only 3 new movies unspooling. So what’s on the menu?
First up is the latest from ex-Monty Python and general cinematic visionary/lunatic Terry Gilliam. This fantasy film follows the leader of a travelling theatre troupe who makes a a deal with the Devil for immortality (amongst other things) and takes audience members through a magical mirror to explore their imaginations. This is the last movie ever made by Heath Ledger as he died a third of the way through filming. Ledger’s role was recast with Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell portraying transformations of Ledger’s character Tony as he travels through the dream world. The movie also stars Christopher Plummer as the titular Doctor and model Lily Cole in an apparent stand-out role as his daughter. The film holds a certain morbid curiosity being that’s it’s Ledger’s last and since Terry Gilliam is the man behind two of my most favourite movies Brazil and Twelve Monkeys I’ll be checking this out as soon as I can. In the meantime Culch’s very own Niamh has been to see it and you can check out her excellent review here.
The second movie out this week is a new comedy written and starring Vince Vaughan and Jon Favreau. Couples Retreat focuses on four couples who decide to go away to a marriage retreat together when one of the couples (Jason Bateman and Kristen Bell) realise that they need help with their marriage. After an exhaustive slide-show on the wonders of Bora-Bora, they manage to convince their 6 friends to come along with the proviso that they may have to go to couples therapy themselves, but only if they want to. Cue the laughter! This movie should work, Favreau and Vaughan worked brilliantly together in the utterly fantastic Swingers, and for those who are willing to forget Teen Wolf 2, Jason Bateman has been quietly making a strong showing for himself in the likes of Juno, Hancock and the unmissable TV show Arrested Development. Word from the States however is mixed with most of the criticism aimed at the movies length and under use of Bateman. Still reports have it down as a good date movie but I might just wait to see the DVD.
The third and final movie out this week is the new British horror film Triangle, directed by Christopher Smith. The movie sees a group of friends on a cruise when one gets the feeling that there is something not quite right going on. Her suspicions are realised when the yacht hits a storm and the group is forced to board a passing ocean liner to get to safety, a ship Jess (Melissa George) is convinced she’s been on before. The ship appears deserted, the clock on board has stopped, but they are not alone… Someone is intent on hunting them down, one by one. Former Home and Away star Melissa George has featured in a lot of horror movies lately, some good (30 Days of Night), some bad (The Betrayed) and some downright awful (Paradise Lost). Still she seems to have slotted nicely into the Jamie Lee Curtis role of paranoid and frightened blonde victims of crazed psychos and lunatics. Director Christopher Smith has previously given us generic horror movies Creep and Severance but the potential is there. The movie opened London’s Fright Fest to applause so I look forward to seeing it as soon as I can.
Doctor Parnassus - so looking forward!
Couples Retreat - eh…no thanks. But yes, Swingers is brillant and Jason Bateman always worth a look!
Triangle - sounds interesting!
Um…is that the right trailer for Triangle??
Really looking forward to Parnassus. Heading to see Couples Retreat tonight (introduced by Vince Vaughan)
@Darren Perhaps not… I’ve updated it now.
@ Darren - oh right, is that the premiere for Couples Retreat then?
Melissa George also did the Amityville Horror remake! Got good reviews for her part too as far i can remember.
Doctor Parnassus looks amazing, will have to see that on the big screen.
Couples Retreat looks like a lot of fun, the women look good, and ‘allow me to put on something more proper’.. a different thong, is a riot.
Not into horror, would prob watch Triangle through my fingers.
Mark Kermode just gave Triangle a very positive review on all counts - so that must be worth checking out!
** remembers that she gets to touch Vince Vaughan tonight and goes to apply her make-up and Wonderbra**
@ Lottie - Vince Vaughan? Really?? I have never been able to take to him as an actor
@Peter- He wasn’t nearly as hot in person. He’s always struck me as a big loveable bear. I bet he gives great hugs. And agree with @amylong- who thinks he looks like he smells really good.
@ Lottie - it may be his voice. Something about his voice makes me want to hit him