The weird thing about Oldboy is that I just don’t see it fitting in with Spielberg’s audience-pleasing inclinations, to say nothing of Will Smith. That’s not to say he couldn’t do it, I just can’t imagine him really wanting to.

I can attest Nick… it really freaking sucks living outside the US sometimes.

Next week, I also see Synecdoche, New York, and I am looking forward to that immensely.

Can’t wait to see Rachel Getting Married already, seeing as most people seemed to really like it around here. Sigh.

With Smith involved, I can see it being a real mess. When was the last time he made an actual good movie? Ali, maybe? I mean I didn’t mind Pursuit of Happyness taken exactly as what it was, but still.

That said, watching it I still was thinking “I sure wish I was watching Sweeney Todd/Rocky Horror/Schumacher’s Phantom of the Opera instead”.

EDIT: In regards to the “reimaginings”, there have been a few that I’ve been hoping would die a fiery death, if they have not already, namely the rumored Oldboy, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, and Battle Royale films, as well, as, although not a foreign piece, Escape From New York.

Like changing the name makes it more original.

Remakes are already in the works for a couple of foreign films, one which just came out in the US “Let the Right One In” and another that isn’t out yet “Timecrimes”. No telling how quickly they’ll hit theaters though.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117995459.html?categoryid=13&cs=1

Ozu and Renoir have not resonated with the kiddies yet Craig! LOL!!! The instant they see subtitles, they flocked upstairs, leaving me alone in the basement. If the film is horror or animation, I have a shot, even if in a foreign language. Thanks again.

Kudos to you Matthew. I await your review.

And Alison, I would love to hear what you say of SNY. I completely agree with Craig–it is one of the year’s best and most challenging films.

I don’t know how many theaters it is scheduled to expand into today, I just now that my area is no longer on the list and it has yet to be rescheduled. It seems strange that Sony is holding it back like this.

Matthew can you give us a teeny unofficial hint of what you thought of RGM?

Michael, I have to wait until next weekend to catch Quantum. I’m hearing mixed things about it, but I’m going to stay cautiously optimistic. Also, I’ll be interested to see what you thought of Blindness…there aren’t too many fans of it around here, though I kind of warmed up to it.

Jeff, Repo is the kind of thing that could be fun if you’re in the right frame of mind. Even if it stinks, it’s hardly your friend’s fault so that’s cool.

Thank you Alison for continuing to enjoy the Weekend Forecast Musical Sponsor in the spirit in which it was intended. Needless to say your tastes are impecable.

You’re a good dad, Sam. When are you going to start exposing the kiddies to Ozu and Renoir?

Also, I updated the forecast one more time to reflect the expansion of the popular Stranded documentary complete with links to Nick and Sam’s reviews.

You’re kidding. What was it going to break 150 screens? What are they doing?

I’m seeing Quantum of Solace tomorrow night, and going to try to catch Blindness sometime over the weekend as well. At this point, I don’t see himself catching Appaloosa, at least, not in the theatres, with things opening and a limited budget, but I might try regardless.

Also, must catch up on everything else.

Well, I’ll be back in NY for the weekend – still working but maybe I can make time for a late night flick. If I can, it will be Synecdoche, New York for me. I would have seen it for PSH anyway, but with LiC’s high recommendation of it I definitely consider it a must-see now.

I see SYNECDOCHE next Wednesday, and am really looking forward to it. I’m also really looking forward to THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS. I know Nick wasn’t too hot on it, but the premise sounds great.