Lions for Fred
Okay, first off, American Gangster. Hear me now and believe me later. The first film I’ve seen this year that has a guaranteed lock on a Best Picture nod. Less predictable, actually, is that a 157-minute, R-rated film would gross more than an animated children’s movie starring the voice of Jerry Seinfeld.
I would have also guessed, incorrectly, that a movie starring Denzel Washington and Russel Crowe and directed by Ridley Scott would cost more than an animated film about bees. But Bee Movie cost about $50 million more than Gangster, and that’s after Denzel essentially got payed twice to be in the latter (he had a pay-or-play deal when the movie fell through the first time).
But let me tell you this. Gangster deserves all the critical and financial praise it’s getting. It’s one of the best movies I’ve seen all year.
11/9
Wide
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Robert Redford, Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise wax polemic on Afghanistan.
WILL IT SUCK?
Early buzz is not so good, which is too bad since director (and star, in this case) Robert Redford hasn’t really knocked one out of the park since 1994’s Quiz Show. Matthew Michael Carnahan (Joe’s brother) wrote the script, so maybe I have to give the buzz a little salt since I like The Kingdom and a lot of other folks, not so much. Oh, and this is Tom Cruise’s first shot at not looking crazy since…the troubles.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Even without American Gangster the week before, Fred Claus this week and Beowulf the week after, war films are just not doing it this season. $23mil.
WILL ANYB0DY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Not with these reviews.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Vince Vaughn as Santa’s brother.
WILL IT SUCK?
David Dobkin (Wedding Crashers) directs a script by Dan Fogelman (one of the fifteen writers on Cars). Great cast: Paul Giamatti, Elizabeth Banks, Kevin Spacey, Rachel Weisz, Miranda Richardson, Kathy Bates, John Michael Higgins, and any movie where Ludacris gets the credit “Angry Elf” has gotta be good. And keep an eye out for Frank Stallone as Frank Stallone. The only real question is can Dobkin handle PG comedy as deftly as he did R.
Early buzz is mixed.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Just the slightest bit of a challenge from Beowulf next week. $109mil.
WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
No. But, I think Vince should host the pre-show.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Career woman vs. creepy parking lot attendant (Wes Bentley).
WILL IT SUCK?
Well, if you’re into that sort of thing, Alexander Aja (Haute Tension, The Hills Have Eyes) is your man. He didn’t direct this one, but he co-wrote with his writing partner Grégory Levasseur. I’m actually more psyched for Aja’s next couple of projects, one of which is a remake of Piranha with prehistoric piranhas. See what they did there?
Early buzz (from, like, one horror Web site) is good.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Not a good year for horror. $8mil.
WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
No, but there will be an intervention for Wes Bentley’s career during the show.
Limited
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
Coen Bros, baby. That’s all you need to know.
WILL IT SUCK?
The best-rated film of their career. And I’ve never been more psyched for one of their films based on the trailer alone. Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson and Stephen Root star.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Not getting the marketing push of a Fargo, but not much competition, either. $12mil.
WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
I think the Coens could at least be looking at another screenplay nod, maybe even director (do they give out co-directing nods?).
Next Week: Grendel’s mom has got it goin’ on.