Posted: 03/28/07

Trailing the movie scene
Rating the newest trailers

Jon Taylor l managing editor
jtaylor@smcvt.edu

Snow Cake (4/25 limited) — Alan Rickman is a seriously underrated actor who is overlooked in many of his films, including Love Actually, where he effectively portrayed a husband struggling between loyalty and cheating. Snow Cake could potentially provide Rickman’s defining role as Alex Hughes, a man who befriends the autistic mother of a car crash victim whose death was caused by Hughes himself. Sigourney Weaver co-stars as the mother, but the buzz here is all about Rickman, who could pick up an Oscar nomination for his work. I wouldn’t miss this one.
GPA: 3.7

Next (4/27) — I have this theory that Nicolas Cage either makes really good movies (Raising Arizona) or really bad movies (The Family Man). His work rarely ever falls in the middle, but Next might just do it. Based on a Philip K. Dick (whose work also inspired the phenomenal Minority Report) novel story (I don't know what it means either), this futuristic thriller stars Cage as a man who can see every possible version of the future, meaning that he can change the present as it is happening. Soon enough, some government officials want his help in preventing catastrophes around the world and blah blah blah. Just expect a slightly entertaining action thriller with the obvious twists and plotlines. And, of course, Nick Cage’s receding hairline, which always provides some humor.

GPA: 2.9

The Condemned (4/27) — A movie starring WWE wrestler ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin? 10 death row inmates go to an island and only one leaves. Very exciting stuff. I think I might gouge out my eyes.
GPA: 0.7

Across the Universe (9/23) — Now, this one looks interesting. Across the Universe is a sweeping movie musical that takes place during the 1960s and explores the anti-war sentiments, drug use and music of the time. There’s something tied in about star-crossed lovers, but the real twist here is the use of Beatles’ songs to tell the story. Although the music works in the trailer, it could get quite annoying in the full-length flick. Director Julie Taymor has helmed some pretty terrible films (Titus?), but Across the Universe could be her masterpiece of sorts — if Taymor doesn’t get in too far over her head.

Note: Expect Across the Universe’s release date to change because of disputes between Taymor and Revolution Studio executive and producer Joe Roth.

GPA: 3.0

The Valet (12/21) — This French comedy stars Daniel Auteuil as a prominent businessman who is photographed with his lover — an international supermodel named Elena. When confronted by his wife, Auteuil convinces Elena and a lowly valet to pretend to be a couple, in a last-ditch effort to save his marriage. This plotline isn’t exactly original, but the trailer shows promise, particularly in the hands of the very capable Auteuil, who recently floored audiences in the stunning and altogether frightening Cache.

GPA: 3.5

Last week's Trailing the movie scene

Year of the Dog(4/13) – This movie, written and directed by Mike White (who wrote School of Rock and Orange County), stars SNL alum Molly Shannon as a secretary whose dog dies. Doesn’t sound exciting? Well, her life goes into a slight tailspin and she meets Peter Sarsgaard (who is always good) and kooky Wes Anderson-meets-romantic comedy-type stuff happens. It might be worth seeing, but I’m holding out for more snippets of the movie.  

GPA: 3.5

The Hoax (4/13 – limited) – I’ll admit it. I hate all Richard Gere movies, except for The Mothman Prophecies, which was unique in its ability to make Gere likable. With that being said, The Hoax doesn’t look too bad for a Gere-starring vehicle. However, the storyline about a writer who makes up a story and gets away with it is well-worn territory for Hollywood (Shattered Glass, anyone?). Approach this one with caution.

GPA: 3.0

Fracture (4/20) – Fracture could potentially be a gripping film filled with powerhouse performances. One could expect no less from the pairing of Anthony Hopkins as a murder suspect and Ryan Gosling as a young district attorney. The only problem I foresee with this trailer is its generic psychological crime-drama premise. You’ll probably want to wait until Fracture is on DVD because it won’t be earth-shattering enough to spend $8 on.

GPA: 3.1

First Snow (4/23) – Ever since his remarkable turn in Memento, I’ve been waiting for Guy Pearce to really break out and show his acting abilities. If he keeps doing projects like First Snow, involving a fortune teller in a trailer park, Piper Perabo (from the awful Coyote Ugly), and something about the first snowfall of the year, don’t expect to be seeing him clasping an Oscar anytime soon.

GPA: 2.0

Blind Dating (5/11) – This is a tricky one. Blind Dating is the first romantic comedy that I’ve ever heard of that features a blind 20-something as a protagonist. Initially, the trailer uses this character’s disability as a means to deliver a punch line, and then switches to try to turn this faux pas into a sweet love story. Although it co-stars Eddie Kaye Thomas, who was magnificently funny as Finch in American Pie, I would probably stay away from this one. There’ll be protests.

GPA: 2.3

Firehouse Dog (6/1) – This trailer is so bad that I suggest watching it. My description couldn’t match the disgusting feeling you’ll have in your stomach afterwards.

GPA: 0.4