Weekend Forecast: 9/25/08
By Craig Kennedy - September 25th, 2008; 12:01 am
Choke: The LiC pick of the week
The wide releases are a mixed bag this week. I recommend you check out A Thousand Years of Good Prayers which comes to LA this weekend or Choke which opens in limited release.
Opening wide:
- Eagle Eye. Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan play two innocent strangers who are blackmailed into participating in a terrorist plot. Can they discover the identity of their tormentors, stop the plot and save their own lives while avoiding the clutches of the FBI? Naturally. Back in my recent past, I spent many a hungover Saturday morning sprawled out on the couch watching reruns of that wretched Disney Channel family sitcom Even Stevens thinking to myself two things: A) I’ve gotta stop drinking so much and B) this LaBeouf kid has some talent. I think he’ll go far one day. Turns out I was right on both counts, but I regret seeing Shia become some kind of action star. Anyway, if he and Ms. Monaghan are good enough, they could conceivably cover up for the huge suspension of disbelief this one is going to call for. What are the odds? Slim. First DJ Caruso lifted Rear Window (Suburbia) and now it feels like he’s taking North By Northwest for a modern spin.
- Miracle at St. Anna. Spike Lee’s World War II drama was highly anticipated around the LiC head offices until it got clobbered by critics in Toronto. We’ll still see it but we’re prepared for 2 hours and 46 minutes of disappointment.
- Nights in Rodanthe. Richard Gere and Diane Lane star in this blatant chick flick of Notebook proportions. They play two strangers who are at different crossroads in their lives. When they meet at an inn on the beach in North Carolina, a romance blossoms, a hurricane blows up and the soulful soundtrack kicks in. Look, I like romance as much as the next guy, but this all seems overly calculated to appeal to people who aren’t getting any in their real lives. Thanks, but no. I’d rather teabag a tank of piranhas.
- Fireproof. Kirk Cameron stars in Backdraft Goes to Marriage Counseling. Seriously. He rescues people from burning buildings and then has to turn to God to rescue his burning marriage. The tagline is “Never leave your partner behind.” Still think I’m kidding? Behold. I’ve been sitting here for 20 minutes trying to come up with a snarky take on this, but it defeats me.
Limited releases:
- Choke. Scruffy, crass and rough around the edges, Choke is kind of a mess narratively, but it gets a recommendation because Sam Rockwell made me laugh. It shares some of the modern angst and dark humor of Fight Club (also based on a Chuck Palahniuk novel), but that’s where the similarities end. Where Fincher’s film was a cold, calculated precision machine, Choke is kind of gleefully sloppy. It wallows in its own rudeness though it’s not nearly as offensive or shocking as it wants to be. Rockwell is a piece of work as Victor, a sex addict who picks up women at meetings and scams good Samaritans by forcing himself to choke at restaurants. Also, Jesus might be his dad. Anjelica Huston, Kelly Macdonald and Bijou Phillips costar. Definitely not a film for all sensibilities, but recommended especially for people who appreciate Rockwell.
- The Lucky Ones. Neil Burger (The Illusionist) directs a promising cast including Rachel McAdams, Tim Robbins and Michael Pena in a post-Iraq road movie about three soldiers on leave traveling across country by car. Based on the mostly negative reviews this one has been getting around the festival circuit, I’m guessing it won’t be the film to finally launch the delightful Ms. McAdams into superstardom where she belongs. That’s too bad, but we’ll keep waiting.
- The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquela. I realize I’m going to lose at least half of you as soon as I tell you that Queen Raquela is a Filipina transsexual prostitute who dreams of finding a man in the West and moving to Paris. For the rest of you who are still reading, this one has stirred up some good buzz as it’s made its way around the festival circuit. I missed it at LAFF, but I seem to recall Hedwig caught it at Rotterdam and liked it. We try to cast our nets far and wide here at LiC in search of cinematic goodness so we’ll be checking this one out.
- Forever Strong. Another crapass sports drama. This time it’s rugby and Gary Cole is the coach. When the star of a rival team is forced to stay in town to serve a DUI sentence…oh screw it. Listen. I enjoy a good game as much as the next guy, but sports is not a metaphor for life. It’s just not. I have nothing to learn from rugby, so knock it off. Besides, this one sounds like is should be starring Kirk Cameron.
- Humboldt County. An uptight med student falls in with a family of laid-back pot smokers living in Northern California’s Humboldt County. Sounds a little like a Local Hero type fish-out-of-water tale, but with stoners instead of Scotsmen and suck instead of awesomeness. There’s your pull quote. Bite down on it. Hard.
- Smother. Comedy ensues when Diane Keaton moves in with her 29-year-old son. Yeah, I can’t breathe either.
- Shoot on Sight. I would, but that means I actually have to see it first.
- Whaledreamers. Documentary about a Southern Australian Aboriginal tribe on the verge of extinction. Comedy ensues when Diane Keaton moves in…
Opening in New York:
- Obscene. Documentary about Barney Rosset, publisher of the Grove Press and Evergreen Review, who waged free speech battles with the Supreme Court over such novels as Lady Chatterly’s Lover, Tropic of Cancer and Naked Lunch.
- Silent Light (Opened 9/24) It seemed for awhile like this festival favorite was never going to be released in the US, but here it is turning up in New York at least. Mexican filmmaker Carlos Reygadas (Japon) tells the story of spiritual crises in a Northern Mexican Mennonite community. It’s getting good reviews all around including this one from Nick Plowman.
Coming to LA:
- A Thousand Years of Good Prayers. Read the 3.5-star LiC review of the latest Wayne Wang film here. Recommended.
- August Evening. The winner of the jury prize for narrative feature at the 2007 LA Film Festival, August Evening tells the story of an aging illegal farm worker who looks after his newly widowed daughter-in-law. As he gets older and more frail, he’s unable to find the same work that once sustained him while she rebounds and begins looking for a new love. As a result of their changing fortunes, the balance of their harmonious household begins to change. Filmed for a reported $40,000, this is writer/director Chris Eska’s debut feature and it sounds like one of those slow, quiet character dramas that can either really move you or bore the piss out of you depending on your mood.
This edition of the Weekend Forecast was brought to you by the suave sound stylings of Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66:
Filed under: Weekend Forecast
Tags: A Thousand Years of Good Prayers, Anjelica Huston, August Evening, Bijou Phillips, Brasil 66, Carlos Reygadas, Choke, Chris Eska, Chuck Palahniuk, Diane Keaton, Diane Lane, DJ Caruso, Eagle Eye, Fireproof, Forever Strong, Gary Cole, Humboldt County, Kelly Macdonald, Kirk Cameron, Michael Pena, Michelle Monaghan, Miracle at St. Anna, Neil Burger, Nights in Rodanthe, Obscene, Rachel McAdams, Richard Gere, Sam Rockwell, Sergio Mendes, Shia LaBeouf, Shoot on Sight, Silent Light, Smother, Spike Lee, The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquela, The Lucky Ones, Tim Robbins, Wayne Wang, Whaledreamers
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Thanks for the delightful vintage world pop, Craig.
“I’d rather teabag a tank of piranhas.” LOL!
You’ve got me particularly curious about your 2 main recommendations.
This is one of the best presented of all your weekend forecasts, regardless of how many good films are in the lot. Both AUGUST EVENING and SILENT NIGHT are most worthwhile, while I agree with your sentiments on the Wayne Wang film. Nick Plowman has reviewed CHOKE and he possitively loved it.
The New York Film Festival also opens this weekend and Lucille and I will be in attendance for the Palme d’Ore winner THE CLASS tomorrow night.
That is really too bad about the Spike Lee film; like you Craig, I originally had high hopes for it.
There’s a lot of interesting stuff here and some obvious duds too. LOL the Kirk Cameron and Diane Keaton commentary.
Silent Light, Choke, Miracle at St Anna, A Thousand Years…, and Obscene were all on my radar, but now I’m curious about August Evening too.
I’ve actually seen a couple of good reviews for Eagle Eye elsewhere but I’m not buying it. The director is a hack and from what little I’ve heard, this is yet another film that relies heavily on “the twist ending,” a device I’ve grown extremely weary of. Your North by Northwest reference is curious and sounds about right.
Dang it, that’s a lot of movies to see. I don’t know what I’ll get to considering I haven’t even made it to Trouble the Water or King of England Yet.
Eagle Eye just reminds me of The Matrix everytime I see, or rather, hear the preview. Don’t know what to think, but I’m a card-carrying LeBeouf supporter so I should probably see it.
Choke and St. Anna are high on my list. We also get Towelhead, but based on what I’ve heard here it would be ridiculous to put it above the others.
I’d like to see The Lucky Ones and Silent Light, but don’t see those on their way here at all.
I wonder if the teabag quote will make it on the marquee for Rodanthe somewhere. It’s deserving, that’s for sure. Thanks for this rundown, as always.
Don’t forget the high entertainment tomorrow night, by the way, if it happens. BO vs. JM - no holds barred!
One of Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66’s best songs ever. And I say that as a connoisseur of Brazilian music.
I approve of this choice. :-)
Craig, darling…
Drinking (to excess) is bad. Sex is a lot more fun.
When you’re an old man with grandchildren sitting out on your porch reminiscing, remember that I told you that at LiC on one lovely September morn back in 2008.
BTW, not to worry about Ms. McAdams - whether she becomes a superstar or not. She’s a fantastic character actor so she will continue to work. Big things will come her way. I see no difficulties present, my precious little crabcake.
Well, we WERE getting Towelhead in this neck of the woods. Just like Danny’s area. It seems that they pulled the plug on it this week.
Perhaps that’s a sign…?
I haven’t checked BOX OFFICE MOJO to see how it’s doing so far. But I’d wager…NOT WELL.
But we ARE getting Choke, Eagle Eye, The Lucky Ones, Miracle At St. Anna, Nights In Rodanthe and Shoot On Sight. Among others.
The Duchess is also opening here tomorrow.
I’ve been beating the drums for it over at my site. But that’s mainly because I like KEIRA. Though I worship the Brits I’m not necessarily drawn to these elaborate costume dramas. A lot of them are really dull.
I know that Sasha has KEIRA and RALPH up on her sidebar at AD. But, you know…I’m still skeptical that either of them are getting Oscar nominated for that film. I just can’t see it.
Honestly, i don’t feel passionate about any of these pictures. So I’m just going to sit back and see what everyone else has to say.
I’m willing to bet that will be much more entertaining than the movies themselves….
Rockwell, Choke, and Kelly McDonald. And icing on the cake, Angelica Huston. What more could anyone want, besides a good flick?
I personally like a little narrative disarray … as you point out, Fincher’s film was very calculated.
Miranda, you’ll be glad to know my excessive drinking days are in an Even Stevens colored past. I’m a respectable human being now. For the most part.
As for Keira, I caught The Duchess last weekend and warmed up to it more than I expected to. Not a must-see or anything, but I do think Keira has a shot at a nomination. Ralph, not so much.
“I’m Alison Flynn and I approve of this message.” I thought you might appreciate that little nugget Alison. I think a musical sponsor will be a running thing for the weekend forecast from now on. It’s a sneaky way to mix in music without taking my eye off the movie ball. Stay tuned.
I have a ticket for a St. Anna screening tonight, but I’ve been burning the candle at both ends the last week or so and I’m tired and not sure I’m for a nearly 3 hours not-so-good Spike Lee movie. We’ll see how I feel at the end of the day. Maybe I’ll get my second wind.
Daniel, my short term goal is to see my name on a movie ad, but I’m afraid that particular one probably isn’t going to get it done anywhere outside of the pages of The Onion…which would be awesome in its own right.
I haven’t read the reviews of Choke yet, but I expect it will probably get clobbered. The script is pretty messy, Gregg tried to cram in too many of the book’s tangents methinks, but damnit, it made me laugh.
I suppose the NxNW reference is kind of a stretch Joel, but it had a nice symmetry to Suburbia/Rear Window so I ran with it.
I’m glad you enjoyed the weekend forecast Sam. They’ve been a little dry lately and it felt good to loosen up a little and return to previous form.
Ahahahah…as I clicked “Submit Comment” I noticed a Fireproof ad at the bottom of the page. Classic. Sometimes being a whore is funny.
Rick, it sounds like Choke might be right up your alley if blatant crassness doesn’t offend you.
I’m an idiot. The Lucky Ones opens wide here tomorrow, too. Yep, I’m going to have spend a lot of cash over the next week or so. I’ll have to hit some doubles, but St. Anna doesn’t lend itself to one very well.
OMG! The release of SILENT LIGHT puts it as my #1 film of 2008. I was afraid it would never see American screens. This is great news. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, owes it to themselves to see this masterpiece.
I’ll be checking out MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA this weekend, but my hopes have been tempered. Hopefully it will be better than advertised, but the atrocious old age makeup in the trailer doesn’t bode well.
Matthew, I think Silent Light is part of a special Reygadas retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art, but I I still can’t tell if it’s getting a proper release. It doesn’t show up on any of my usual calendar sources.
Hopefully it’s on its way though. After your word and Nicks and a few others, I’m looking forward to it.
Awesome story about the incredible lengths Kirk Cameron went to method act his way through Fireproof. I smell an Oscar nomination!
You see? The jokes just keep writing themselves with no input from me.
Okay, so I wasn’t around yesterday, so let me just say the little I have to say quickly.
Choke, for me and possibly only me, is a great little slice of indie pie, a wickedly funny and offensive film that I loved and I am not ashamed to admit that. Its currently sitting on 48% at Metacritic and I have it the equivalent of 80% in my review, and I am damn proud of it, lol.
I gave the exact same rating to Silent Light, which is definitely something of a masterpiece, which I saw on DVD back in July, go figure.
I would love to see Miracle at St Anna just so I can forge an opinion on it now while people care, and not a thousand years from now which is what I will have to do. Same goes for The Lucky Ones, A Thousand Years, August Evening and I actually do want to see Eagle Eye because I am the biggest Shia LaBeouf fan ever in the history of the universe existing, but I did not go out of my way to attend the press screening last month, and nor will I attend the catch up screening next weekend, so I will just see it when it opens here at the end of October. No biggie. Enjoy your weekend folks.
At least you reviewed Choke Nick. I even saw it a second time earlier this week just so I could write a real review, and I didn’t do it. Not sure what else to say about it other than what I’ve said. Plus, the LA Times stole two key words from me: “Scruffy” and “Sloppy.” Jerks. Anyway, if I do review it, I’ll give it 3.5 stars.
I really like Choke. And still need to write a review.
If you dress randy sex up in pretty English period costumes, it’s a mature film. If you dress it up in the modern day with a lowlife, suddenly it’s distasteful.
Keira is good, but not great, in The Duchess. She’s been better (Pride and Prejudice). WHile it actually has the three great scenes, it is not really a great role.
Glad to hear a little more appreciation of Choke. I’m still kicking around a review of it, but It’s not coming to me.
It was sloppy, but it’s sloppiness was kind of endearing.
I’d agree that Keira has three great scenes and she makes the most of them, but there are long stretches where she’s not given that much to do. Nevertheless, I wasn’t expecting very much from it and it went over surprisingly well.