Monthly Watch List: July 2011

Not all of the following movies are highly anticipated or worth a viewing at all, let alone in theaters.  Still, the purpose of these monthly watch lists is to present what is available and offer a conclusion of whether or not to see the film, usually based on the filmmakers’ pedigrees and current consensus about it.  Also important to note while reading or skimming the list is that not all will be released in a theater near you on the mentioned date; take note of the “Limited” label.

Once again, I apologize for the delay in publishing another monthly watch list, but you didn’t miss much in the first weekend.  This month has a considerable amount of limited releases as well as a few big blockbusters or comedies, as July often does.  Some films were omitted from this post, both limited and regular releases, either because of their limited appeal or they were simply unworthy of a mention.  The most anticipated movie of the month, summer, and maybe year is the epic conclusion to the Harry Potter franchise, but there are several other films definitely worth a theater viewing if possible.  Happy July 2011! (However, just wait until you see what July 2012 has in store- check out the Most Anticipated Films page for a ranked list of all highly anticipated or notable upcoming films.)

July 1 – Larry Crowne

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: Unclear of his next steps after losing his job at a big-box retailer, Larry Crowne enrolls at his local college, where he finds a niche among the school’s community of outcasts, and a connection with a teacher who has lost her passion for life.

Director: Tom Hanks

Stars: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Bryan Cranston

Should you see it? – Skip it in theaters.

• Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, two of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars, haven’t given powerhouse performances or been in massively successful movies in years.  Unfortunately, this film doesn’t appear to be the one to make them A-listers again.  While  Larry Crowne seems to be a pleasant and entertaining dramedy about some timely issues, it has received lukewarm responses at best; critics and audiences alike have considered it to be a bit too slow, dull, and predictable.  Moreover, its opening weekend at the box office was a straight-up flop only garnering about $18 million worldwide over the four-day holiday weekend on a production budget of $30 million (not counting marketing and distribution).  If you still want to watch these two on screen together, just wait until it hits video on demand or stores for a rental.

 

 

 

July 1 – The Perfect Host (Limited)

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: A criminal on the run cons his way into the wrong dinner party where the host is anything but ordinary.

Director: Nick Tomnay

Stars: David Hyde Pierce, Clayne Crawford, Nathanial Parker

Should you see it? – Maybe.

• This psychological thriller may be a bit too quirky for some audiences, but Pierce looks electric in the leading/titular role and the premise is an intriguing one.  It hasn’t received the best reviews so far, but this limited release is worth mentioning at least because of the aforementioned positives.  It’s full of twists and turns, which for many will be too much, but it will surely be an entertaining way to spend a couple hours, just maybe not at the theater.

 

 

 

July 1 – Terri (Limited)

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: A comedy centered on the relationship between oversized teen misfit Terri, who struggles to adjust to his adult life, and his well-meaning vice principal who takes an interest in him.

Director: Azazel Jacobs

Stars: John C. Reilly, Jacob Wysocki, Bridger Zadina

Should you see it? – Maybe.

• Terri has a very good score on RottenTomatoes.com so far (as of 7/5/11), but this independent film may have a small audience and be divisive to its viewers.  Some will find the theme and messages significant while others will be put off by its vastly dry tone.  Regardless, Reilly and Wysocki appear to be pitch-perfect in their roles, at least from the small sample-size of the trailer.  Check this one out as a matinee at most, but only if you are patient and don’t expect it to be a hit comedy; rather, it is more of a thought-provoking character study.

 

 

 

July 8 – Zookeeper

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: The animals at one particular zoo decide to break their code of silence in order to help their lovable zookeeper gain the attention of one particular woman.

Director: Frank Coraci

Stars: Kevin James, Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb, Ken Jeong, Donnie Wahlberg; voices of: Nick Nolte, Adam Sandler, Sylvester Stallone, Cher, Judd Apatow, Jon Favreau, Maya Rudolph

Should you see it? – Maybe.

• Despite its outrageous premise and underwhelming previews, Kevin James’s latest comedy could be a very entertaining one, perhaps in the vein of Night at the Museum (2006).  The movie’s supporting cast, mostly voicing animals, consists of an intriguing set of actors/actresses, such as Stallone, Nolte, and Sandler.  The jury is still out on this one, but hopefully it won’t be as childish as it appears to be at first glance.  Check it out in theaters if you have kids or enjoy a light-hearted comedy; otherwise stay at home.

 

 

 

July 8 – Horrible Bosses

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: Three friends conspire to murder their awful bosses when they realize they are standing in the way of their happiness.

Director: Seth Gordon

Stars: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Colin Farrell, Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, Jamie Foxx, Julie Bowen, Donald Sutherland

Should you see it? – Yes! (HIGHLY ANTICIPATED)

• Based purely on the premise and cast, this R-rated comedy should have appeared somewhere on your anticipated list.  The previews, especially red-band ones, highlight some hilarious, albeit raunchy and vulgar, moments that the movie likely has an abundance of.  It will be interesting to see the chemistry between the quirky Bateman and Day, stars of the great Arrested Development and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.  Furthermore, the casting of Spacey, Aniston, and Farrell as their evil bosses is perfect.  To top it all off, Foxx makes a comical apperance as Dean “MF” Jones.  Horrible Bosses could easily compete with Bridesmaids (2011) for this summer’s most best comedy – see it in theaters.

 

 

 

July 8 – The Ward

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: A thriller centered on an institutionalized young woman who becomes terrorized by a ghost.

Director: John Carpenter

Stars: Amber Heard, Mamie Gummer, Danielle Panabaker

Should you see it? – Wait for Video on Demand or a rental.

• Carpenter has finally returned to the big-screen after ten years but, as most reviews have noted, he could not shake of his rust to make another classic or even very good horror-thriller.  The Ward is merely a mediocre movie nowhere near the level of greatness one expects from Carpenter.  Nonetheless, given his track record and some positive reviews, it’s worth a viewing but probably not in theaters.

 

 

 

July 8 – Project Nim (Limited)

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: A documentary on a 1970s experiment that aimed to show that a chimpanzee, if raised and nurtured like a human child, could learn to communicate with language.

Director: James Marsh

Stars: Bob Angelini, Bern Cohen, Reagan Leonard

Should you see it? – If you’re into documentaries, then yes.

• From the director of the highly acclaimed Man on Wire comes the tale of a family that adopts a chimpanzee in the 1970s to teach it sign language and raise him as if it were a human being.  It’s sure to have a heartfelt story with some interesting insights into human nature and explore the fine line between humans and animals.  Project Nim appears to be another great documentary in a year full of them.

 

 

 

July 15 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: The end begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione return to Hogwarts to find and destroy the final horcruxes. But when Voldemort finds out about their mission, the battle we’ve all known has been coming — Harry vs. Voldemort — looms large on the horizon. And who will triumph?

Director: David Yates

Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Jason Isaacs, Ralph Fiennes, Tom Felton, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Wright, Emma Thompson, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, John Hurt, Ciarán Hinds, Clémence Poésy, Jim Broadbent, Timothy Spall, Miranda Richardson, Robbie Coltrane, Evanna Lynch, Matthew Lewis, David Bradley, David Thewlis

Should you see it? – Must-see! (HIGHLY/MOST ANTICIPATED!)

• Ten years and seven movies later, the Harry Potter saga finally has its epic conclusion.  Apart from the excellent Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), each film has improved upon the previous installment with Deathly Hallows, Part 1 competing for the top spot.  Moreover, each has become darker and more adult, broadening the audience/appeal.  Based on the overall satisfaction of readers of the books regarding the final novel, this film should be a blast.  In addition, the previews have had it all – epic action sequences and heartfelt moments, especially for fans of the franchise after all these years.  Although many viewers will opt to wait a week or few weeks to see it because of the massive crowds, there is almost no reason to miss this one in theaters.  Also, if you haven’t seen any or all of the films yet then you should have a marathon and then go see the finale – You don’t want to miss this generation’s Star Wars/Lord of the Rings, etc. and the most successful film franchise of all time.

 

 

 

July 15 – Winnie the Pooh

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: While out looking for some honey, Winnie the Pooh is pulled into a quest to save Christopher Robin from an imaginary culprit.

Director: Stephen J. Anderson, Don Hall

Stars: Jim Cummings, Craig Ferguson, John Cleese,

Should you see it? – If you have kids or loved the cartoon, then yes.

• The children’s show is finally hitting the silver screen, but is it too late?  How many kids nowadays watch Pooh? Well if you used to watch it a lot as a child or want your own kids to witness some quality cartoon characters, then go see it.  Let’s just hope Hollywood hasn’t ruined the renowned series/character.

 

 

 

July 22 – Captain America: The First Avenger

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America’s ideals. His first mission: to combat the Nazi propaganda effort headed by Johann Schmidt, also known as the Red Skull.

Director: Joe Johnston

Stars: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Stanley Tucci, Tommy Lee Jones, Toby Jones, Neal McDonough, Samuel L. Jackson

Should you see it? – Yes. (HIGHLY ANTICIPATED)

• Somewhat surprisingly Captain America has received great buzz early on and some critics already claim it is the best blockbuster and superhero movie of the summer.  While X-Men: First Class (2011) is the reigning champ (in my book at least) thus far, the creators and cast of this one show some promise.  The movie appears to walk the thin line between gritty realism and comic-book fare, but it could turn out to be a flop (though maybe not as much as the horrid Green Lantern (2011).  Hopefully they were committed to making the best Captain America movie they could and not focus on setting up The Avengers (2012) too much – a problem that has plagued most Marvel superhero adaptations in the past couple years.

 

 

 

July 22 – Friends With Benefits

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: While trying to avoid the clichés of Hollywood romantic comedies, Dylan and Jamie soon discover however that adding the act of sex to their friendship does lead to complications.

Director: Will Gluck

Stars: Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake, Patricia Clarkson, Richard Jenkins, Woody Harrelson, Andy Samberg

Should you see it? – Yes, it’s the better take on the premise than No Strings Attached (2011).

• While audiences may clamor that this is just another No Strings Attached, which turned out to be disappointing, Friends With Benefits is the superior take on the premise.  Furthermore, its cast and director (Easy A [2010]) are more talented (i.e. Timberlake >>> Kutcher).  So if you enjoy raunchy comedies or are interested in the premise and cast and missed or were burnt by No Strings Attached, then check this more intelligent and humorous comedy.

 

 

 

July 22 – Another Earth (Limited)

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: On the night of the discovery of a duplicate planet in the solar system, an ambitious young student and an accomplished composer cross paths in a tragic accident.

Director: Mike Cahill

Stars: Brit Marling, William Mapother, Jordan Baker

Should you see it? – Maybe.

• Most audiences won’t be able to check this one out in theaters (especially this month) because of its limited release, but the film’s preview is promising.  It might not be the most fast-paced or entertaining type of movie, but the sci-fi premise sets up a solid character-driven story that may demand introspection by the viewer, asking what they would do if they had such an opportunity.  In other words, it may have valuable insights into regret, living in the present, fate, romance and similar themes.  It is definitely worth a look.

 

 

 

July 22 – Sarah’s Key (Limited)

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: In modern-day Paris, a journalist finds her life becoming entwined with a young girl whose family was torn apart during the notorious Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup in 1942.

Director: Gilles Paquet-Brenner

Stars: Kristin Scott Thomas, Mélusine Mayance, Niels Arestrup, Aiden Quinn

Should you see it? – If you enjoy foreign dramas, yes.

• Kristin Scott Thomas provides another exceptional performance in this French drama.  It got good reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival and appears to be an emotional journey, as French films often tend to be.  So if you are into foreign films, especially ones that may jerk some tears or hit some heartstrings, then this is for you; however, it’s likely to get only a limited release so look for it when it’s released on demand services or at rental services.

 

 

 

July 24 – Life in a Day

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: A documentary shot by filmmakers all over the world that serves as a time capsule to show future generations what it was like to be alive on the 24th of July 2010.

Director: Kevin McDonald; Produced by: Ridley Scott

Stars: N/A

Should you see it? – Yes, if you are able to catch it and seek it out if you’re not sure you can.

• Editor Joe Walker was able to cut 4,500 hours of footage down to about 98 minute running-time for this feature film about normal life around the world on July 24, 2010.  The project is a fascinating one and the product has received unanimous praise thus far.  For a society where YouTube is embedded, this should appeal to almost any audience as it features great imagery and heartfelt stories; one wonders how the director and editor compiled the videos to make a coherent feature-film.  It is surely one-of-a-kind and should be seen if possible.

 

 

 

July 26 – Ironclad

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: In 13th-century England, a small group of Knights Templar fights to defend Rochester Castle against the tyrannical King John.

Director: Jonathan English

Stars: Paul Giamatti, Jason Flemyng, Brian Cox, Kate Mara, James Purefoy, Derek Jacobi

Should you see it? – Wait until it’s on Video on Demand or a rental.

• This somewhat historical Medieval action-flick has flown completely under-the-radar, which is hard to believe considering the great cast.  Still, even with a $25 million budget the trailer makes it look like a low-budget movie, especially in comparison to big-budgeted Hollywood action flicks.  So far it has received mixed reviews, and given its almost nonexistent marketing campaign, one may be pessimistic about its quality.  Nevertheless, the outstanding cast could warrant a video-on-demand download or rental later.

 

 

 

July 29 – Cowboys & Aliens

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: A spaceship arrives in Arizona, 1873, to take over the Earth, starting with the Wild West region. A posse of cowboys are all that stand in their way.

Director: Jon Favreau

Stars: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell, Paul Dano, Clancy Brown

Should you see it? – Yes (HIGHLY ANTICIPATED)

• Favreau (Iron Man [2008]) looks to blend the Western and sci-fi genre in this action-packed summer blockbuster.  Mr. James Bond and Mr. Indiana Jones lend their acting prowess while Rockwell, Dano and Wilde round out the leading cast members.  With such filmmaking pedigree, Cowboys and Aliens looks to be a fun, thrilling mash-up.  This is one to catch on the big screen.

 

 

 

July 29 – Crazy, Stupid, Love

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: A father’s life unravels while he deals with a marital crisis and tries to manage his relationship with his children.

Director: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa

Stars: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Marissa Tomei, John Carroll Lynch

Should you see it? – Actually, yes.

• At first glance this looks like just another romantic comedy, but it has received considerable positive buzz thanks to strong performances and a surprisingly deep and heartfelt story/script.  Young, talented stars Gosling and Stone should match up well as will Carrell’s quirkiness with Gosling’s swagger.  Crazy, Stupid, Love may be a humorous, witty, charming, and soulful rom-com guys can like as much as their dates/girlfriends/wives.

 

 

 

July 29 – The Smurfs

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: The little blue creatures of Smurf village move to New York City after the evil wizard Gargamel chases them out of their mushroom-like homes in the forest.

Director: Raja Gosnell

Stars: Hank Azaria, Katy Perry, Jonathan Winters, Neil Patrick Harris, Alan Cumming, George Lopez, Anton Yelchin, Sofía Vergara

Should you see it? – Unless you have kids, why would you? Even then, probably not.

• Where has the quality entertainment for kids gone?  Skip this one entirely – even if you have kids, take them to see something more entertaining or of some value; or better yet, save your money altogether.

 

 

 

July 29 – Attack the Block (Limited)

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: A teen gang in South London defend their block from an alien invasion.

Director: Joe Cornish

Stars: Nick Frost, John Boyega, Jodie Whittaker, Alex Esmail,

Should you see it? – Definitely when you get the chance. (HIGHLY ANTICIPATED)

• The tagline says it all: “Inner city vs. outer space.”  After huge praise in foreign, limited, and festival releases, some critics call Attack the Block the king of the summer.  The problem, though, lies in the weak marketing campaign and list of unknown actors, all of which have thick British accents hard for many moviegoers to understand.  This could be this year’s Scott Pilgrim (2010) – acclaimed by critics and audiences but a box office disappointment.  It brings the best elements of the horror, comedy, and adventure genres together.  Besides, it has Nick Frost and comes from the creators of Shaun of the Dead (2004).

 

 

July 29 – The Guard (Limited)

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: An unorthodox Irish policeman with a confrontational personality is teamed up with an uptight FBI agent to investigate an international drug-smuggling ring.

Director: John Michael McDonagh

Stars: Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle, Mark Strong, Liam Cunningham

Should you see it? – Yes, if it’s released near you.

• Critics and audiences have praised Gleeson’s brilliant lead performance in this very funny police-thriller.  In some respects, people have compared The Guard to the amusing buddy-cop comedy Hot Fuzz (2007), which for many viewers is a plus.  The trailer may be a bit too dry for some audiences, but given the acclaim this film is worth a viewing (at least a matinee).

 

 

 

July 29 – The Devil’s Double (Limited)

 

 

IMDB Synopsis: A chilling vision of the House of Saddam Hussein comes to life through the eyes of the man who was forced to become the double of Hussein’s sadistic son.

Director: Lee Tamahori

Stars: Domonic Cooper, Ludivine Sagnier, Raad Rawi

Should you see it? – Maybe.

• The filmmakers have opted for a more kinetic, action-packed route to tell the horrifying story of Saddam’s sadistic son, rather than a heavy drama.  Nonetheless, it looks to be a rather entertaining exploration of the historical situation and House of Saddam in its glory days.  Check out this semi-historical flick if you enjoy a good action movie or find the premise and history interesting.