[IMG:L]They say a picture is worth a thousand words — so just from sizing-up movie stills that caught our eye, here’s the lowdown on April movies at a glance!
Fast & Furious
(April 3, 2009)
Genre: Action, Adventure
Cast: Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster, Gal Gadot, Michelle Rodriguez
Scoop: When a crime brings them back to L.A., fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto (Diesel) reignites his feud with agent Brian O’Conner (Walker). But, forced to confront a shared enemy, they must give in to an uncertain new trust, if they hope to outmaneuver him by pushing the limits of what’s possible behind the wheel.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Don’t call it a comeback!! For all you loyal, high-octane Fast and Furious-heads out there, we need say nothing more … but, vrooom, vrooom!
Snapshot Prediction: 3.5 out of 5 flashes
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Adventureland
(April 3, 2009)
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader
Scoop: When an uptight recent college graduate (Eisenberg) realizes he can’t afford his Euro dream vacation, he is forced to take a minimum-wage job at a local amusement park — and strikes up a very special friendship along the way.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Superbad director Greg Mattola is serving up some new, coming-of-age (mc)lovin — this time with Squid‘s Jesse Eisenberg and Twilight‘s Kristen Stewart. Their t-shirts are shouting loud and proud, so get ready for GAMES! And p.s., if you think you’re gonna win that panda — think again.
Snapshot Prediction: 4 out of 5 flashes
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Alien Trespass
(April 3, 2009)
Genre: Drama
Cast: Eric McCormack, Jenni Baird, Dan Lauria
Scoop: In 1957, a fiery flying saucer from space crashes into the California desert. From it escapes a murderous creature — the Ghota — bent on destroying all Earthly life forms. A benevolent alien from the saucer inhabits the body of a local astronomer (McCormack) and sets out to save mankind — with the help of a waitress.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Stand back! This film from X-Files series director R. W. Goodwin could go either way; i.e., serve up enough camp and ’50s kitsch to become a spring fave, or dole out SO much that it feels like wannabe imitation. It’s probably the latter, but maybe not …
Snapshot Prediction: 2.5 out of 5 flashes
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Bart Got a Room
(April 3, 2009)
Genre: Comedy
Cast: William H. Macy, Cheryl Hines, Steve Kaplan
Scoop: A comedy about nerdy teen, Danny (Steve Kaplan), and his misadventures in trying to get a date for the prom — while his parents’ marriage is falling apart.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Macy‘s Q-tip inspired ‘fro delivers the first ingredient of ‘indie’ films that we love: a dash of quirky — and not only due to the onset stylists. If the saying “like father like son” is true; this should be a cute ride.
Snapshot Prediction: 3.5 out of 5 flashes
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The Escapist
(April 3, 2009)
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Cast: Brian Cox, Joseph Fiennes, Dominic Cooper
Scoop: A convict (Cox) serving a life sentence is determined to visit his estranged, ill daughter before she dies. He soon develops an escape plan and recruits an ensemble of escapists.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: This trio is looking a bit too grittily-coiffed; we’re a little nervous at how the “authenticity” will feel. But let’s face it. Brian Cox always delivers, so he should re-set the balance.
Snapshot Prediction: 3 out of 5 flashes
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Gigantic
(April 3, 2009)
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Cast: Paul Dano, Zooey Deschanel, Edward Asner, John Goodman, Jane Alexander
Scoop: Twenty-eight-year-old Brian (Dano), a depressed mattress salesman who’s looking for his “place” in the world, falls for Harriet (Deschanel), a lovely but misguided young woman — with a bear of a father — whom he meets in his store.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Deschanel is always oddly magnetic onscreen, regardless if her characters have weight; and Dano, while often standoff-ish, will play that role in a positively engaging way. If done right, Gigantic should reel them both into something special.
Snapshot Prediction: 3 out of 5 flashes
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Sugar
(April 3, 2009)
Genre: Drama, Sports
Cast: Algenis Perez Soto, Alina Vargas, Rayniel Rufino, Andre Holland, Anne Whitney
Scoop: Miguel Santos (Soto), aka Azucar — a Dominican pitcher — struggles to make it to the big leagues and pull himself and his family out of poverty. But landing a spot to play in the U.S. minor leagues forces him to struggle with the new language, culture and, despite his welcoming host family, a lot of isolation — urging Miguel to question his life’s ambition.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: The American dream can cost A LOT — just ask your grandfolks — but oh how sweet it can be for those who attain it! We’re sure this tasty gem is gonna be the righteous flavor of the month. Azucar!
Snapshot Prediction: 4.5 out of 5 flashes
KEEP READING: Dragonball Evolution
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Dragonball: Evolution
(April 10, 2009)
Genre: Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Adaptation
Cast: Justin Chatwin, Chow Yun-Fat, Emmy Rossum, Jamie Chung
Scoop: Goku (Chatwin) and friends battle for the Earth against the deadly forces of the Saiyans, who are sweeping across the universe, leaving a path of destruction. Goku’s posse’s best chance for survival rests with the Namekian Dragonballs, which provide them the power to summon a mighty dragon.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Hmm? Suspended golden balls? We won’t go there. It’s a teen film!
Snapshot Prediction: 2 out of 5 flashes
KEEP READING: Hannah Montana: The Movie
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Hannah Montana: The Movie
(April 10, 2009)
Genre: Family, Music
Cast: Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Emily Osment, Jason Earles, Vanessa Williams
Scoop: Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus) struggles to juggle school, friends and her secret pop-star persona; when Hannah Montana’s soaring popularity threatens to take over her life — she just might let it. So her father (Billy Ray Cyrus) takes the teen home to Tennessee, for a dose of reality, kicking off a fun and romance-filled adventure, beyond her imagination.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Miley goes country?! Well, we might not be lining up to read an autobiography about her Southern identity crisis, but her fans can’t wait to see this installment of Miley-goes-farm-girl! Yesireeeee, we’re excited too!
Snapshot Prediction: 3 out of 5 flashes
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Lymelife
(April 10, 2009)
Genre: Drama, Black Comedy
Cast: Rory Culkin, Kieran Culkin, Alec Baldwin, Jill Hennessy, Emma Roberts, Cynthia Nixon, Timothy Hutton
Scoop: Meet the dark side of suburban paradise and the loss of innocence that centers on two deeply troubled, dysfunctional families during the late 1970s. The tale revolves around an awkward, sensitive 15-year-old, Scott (Culkin), whose family life is turned upside-down after an outbreak of Lyme disease hits the community — spreading illness and paranoia.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Those piercing Culkin eyes — both sets — perfectly convey a loss of innocence. Just add a fierce ensemble, Long Island, and the brink of the eighties to the mix, and you’ve got an indie with stay-power.
Snapshot Prediction: 4.5 out of 5 flashes
KEEP READING: Mysteries of Pittsburgh
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The Mysteries of Pittsburgh
(April 10, 2009)
Genre: Drama, Dark Comedy
Cast: Jon Foster, Nick Nolte, Sienna Miller, Peter Sarsgaard
Scoop: Art (Foster) is struggling with his new-found, post-college freedom and is preparing to be sent to a job chosen by his gangster father (Nolte) that will hide him from his family’s criminal connections in Pittsburgh. But Art’s fortunes soon change when meets the beautiful, wild Jane (Miller).
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Urban beachside lounging can sometimes hit the spot. Yet they’re both still looking a little unsatisfied. Maybe Pittsburgh’s not quite cutting it.
Snapshot Prediction: 2.5 out of 5 flashes
KEEP READING: Observe and Report
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Observe and Report
(April 10, 2009)
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Seth Rogen, Anna Faris, Michael Pena, Ray Liotta
Scoop: The head of mall security Ronnie (Rogen) patrols with an iron fist, combatting skateboarders and shoplifters, while dreaming of the day he can swap his flashlight for a badge and a gun. His delusions of grandeur are tested when the mall is struck by a flasher — which ultimately launches into a turf war with the real cops.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: The undeniable thing we love about Rogen: He goes all the way … we’re sure his version of an ambitious “mall cop” will be just as laugh-out-loud-worthy as Kevin James‘.
Snapshot Prediction: 3 out of 5 flashes
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17 Again
(April 17, 2009)
Genre: Comedy, Teen
Cast: Zac Efron, Leslie Mann, Matthew Perry, Michelle Trachtenberg, Hunter Parrish
Scoop: Former basketball star but now a depressed dad, Mike (Perry) is about to divorce the high-school sweetheart he chose to ditch his career for and marry, when she got pregnant. Twenty years later, he’s given a second chance, when he’s miraculously transformed back to age 17 (Efron). But at 37, his outlook is totally uncool with the class of 2009.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Every teen’s worst nightmare; the facial “hand-cup” (we’re assuming by a relative) … but what if it’s by your “mom” — who’s really your wife. It’s Freaky Friday with dudes — and without the “switch.” Yeah, we think Zac‘s up for the hijinks. But let’s be real, Efron and Perry — not quite look-a-likes.
Snapshot Prediction: 3 out of 5 flashes
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American Violet
(April 17, 2009)
Genre: Drama, Biopic
Cast: Nicole Beharie, Will Patton, Alfre Woodard, Michael O’Keefe, Tim Blake Nelson
Scoop: A young African-American single mom, Dee Roberts (Beharie), struggles to make ends meet in a small Texas town. When cops arrest her in a drug sweep, she insists on her innocence. Refusing a plea bargain that would allow her to avoid jail time, Roberts stands up against a corrupt law enforcement and judicial system.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Don’t EVEN mess with this righteous, coiffed mamita! Acting newbie Beharie turns it out, alongside her terrific fellow-cast, when fighting against a justice system that’s serving up more injustice than one Texan town can handle. Trust us, we caught a sneak peek!
Snapshot Prediction: 4.5 out of 5 flashes
KEEP READING: Crank: High Voltage
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Crank: High Voltage
(April 17, 2009)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Thriller, Sequel
Cast: Jason Statham, Amy Smart, Clifton Collins Jr, Bai Ling, Dwight Yoakam
Scoop: Chev Chelios (Statham) faces a Chinese mobster who has stolen his nearly indestructible heart, and replaced it with a battery-powered ticker that requires regular jolts of electricity to keep working.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Doesn’t he ever get tired of pointing a gun, or kicking group ass? Naaah. Nor do we get tired of watching it, for the most part.
Snapshot Prediction: 2.5 out of 5 flashes
KEEP READING: Every Little Step
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Every Little Step
(April 17, 2009)
Genre: Documentary, Dance
Cast: Bob Avian, Michael Bennett
Scoop: An exploration of the incredible journey of A Chorus Line, from ambitious idea to international phenomenon — through 15 years of continuous performances from the ’70s to ’90s, and a revival beginning last year.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: One singular sensation … is what we hear Every Little Step will make! A behind-the-scenes dance doc about a Broadway icon — with buzz, bodies and bitchiness. Why not indulge?!
Snapshot Prediction: 4 out of 5 flashes
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Sleep Dealer
(April 17, 2009)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
Cast: Luis Fernando Pena, Leonor Varela
Scoop: A young Mexican man (Pena) from the provinces — whose family and home are destroyed by terrorist-seeking drones — heads to Tijuana. There he joins a workforce of illegal workers whose labor is transported electronically across the border, and finds the means to avenge the violence.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: A thrilling, border-crossing, sci-fi, indie adventure with social commentary and futuristic gadgetry — it’s about time! We’re so there …
Snapshot Prediction: 4.5 out of 5 flashes
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State of Play
(April 17, 2009)
Genre: Political, Thriller, Adaptation
Cast: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Helen Mirren, Robin Wright Penn, Rachel McAdams, Jeff Daniels, Jason Bateman
Scoop: Handsome, unflappable Congressman Collins (Affleck) is the rising star of his political party — and hopeful presidential contender — who chairs a committee on defense spending. When his research assistant/mistress is brutally murdered, buried secrets come tumbling out. Soon, an old reporter friend (Crowe) is assigned to investigate him.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Both fine actors — one especially so; but can Ben handle a scene stealer? Yes, in fact that’s often when he’s best: ask Sam Jackson. Besides, Crowe’s giving off an intense-yet-mellow vibe.
Snapshot Prediction: 3.5 out of 5 flashes
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Earth
(April 22, 2009)
Genre: Documentary, Animal, Adventure
Cast: James Earl Jones (Narrator)
Scoop: Combining rare action, unimaginable scale and impossible locations, the eye-popping story of three animal families and their amazing journey across the planet we all call home.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: You may not want to bump heads with a Great White on your next scuba dive; but let’s face it — a 5-ton elephant may be just as alarming. The power of the camera let’s you pretend you’re brave enough to be on-the-scene. Do it.
Snapshot Prediction: 4 out of 5 flashes
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Fighting
(April 24, 2009)
Genre: Action, Drama
Cast: Channing Tatum, Terrence Howard, Roger Guenveur Smith, Luis Guzman
Scoop: Small-town boy Shawn (Tatum) is barely earning a living in NYC, selling counterfeit goods. His luck changes when scam artist Harvey (Howard) witnesses his talent for street-fighting. The two form an uneasy partnership as Harvey becomes Shawn’s manager, pulling him into the corrupt, lucrative, bare-knuckle circuit — an underground life Shawn must fight to escape.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Can someone say Fight Club meets Eight Mile. Quietly kept, that pulse-pounding combo does have appeal. Tatum and Howard already have tongues wagging.
Snapshot Prediction: 3.5 out of 5 flashes
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The Informers
(April 24, 2009)
Genre: Drama
Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Mickey Rourke, Kim Basinger, Winona Ryder, Amber Heard
Scoop: Sex, drugs and new wave — early 1980s L.A. — a time of excess and decadence. Found at the top of the heap: a Hollywood dream merchant, a dissolute rock star, an aging newscaster; at the bottom: a voyeuristic doorman and an amoral ex-con. None realizing they’re dancing on the edge of an abyss.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: At least for right now, anything with Mickey Rourke is on the hotlist. And nothing spells excessive, alluring, L.A.-inspired grit like Mickey — and the curious ensemble he’s rolling with in this drama.
Snapshot Prediction: 3.5 out of 5 flashes
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Obsessed
(April 24, 2009)
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Cast: Idris Elba, Beyonce Knowles, Ali Larter
Scoop: Derek (Elba), a successful asset manager who has just received a huge promotion, is blissfully happy in his career and in his marriage to the beautiful Beth (Knowles). But when Lisa, a temp worker, starts stalking Derek, everything he’s worked so hard for, is placed in jeopardy.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Hmmm — a new CD cover? Put a Ring On It, the male-remix? She’s giving glamour — and he’s giving emotion. Not quite sure how the acting’s gonna turn out here? But it’s clearly a guilty pleasure hit in the wings; especially since we know Mz. Knowles gets to shout, “I’ll show ya’ crazy!!!” before shoving the cracked-up ho tryin’ stealing her man!
Snapshot Prediction: 2 out of 5 flashes
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Powder Blue
(April 24, 2009)
Genre: Drama
Cast: Jessica Biel, Forest Whitaker, Patrick Swayze, Eddie Redmayne, Ray Liotta, Lisa Kudrow
Scoop: An ensemble drama about four interconnected L.A. people, who meet on Christmas Eve through chance.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Um, Jessica — fyi, no use calling the all-knowing Reverend Camden at this point. He’s not going to pull you out of this fix. But, since you have an interesting line-up of cast-mates we’ll hang out to watch how the drama unfolds.
Snapshot Prediction: 2.5 out of 5 flashes
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The Soloist
(April 24, 2009)
Genre: Biopic, Drama
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Foxx, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Catherine Keener, Tom Hollander
Scoop: Columnist Steve Lopez (Downey Jr.) is at a dead end, when he comes upon the mysterious bedraggled figure Nathaniel Ayres (Foxx), who’s pouring out his soul into a violin. Intrigued, Lopez soon begins to unearth how this alternately brilliant and distracted street musician, once a dynamic prodigy headed for fame, wound up homeless.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Is it looking a little over-the-top? Perhaps; but have you ever run across some of L.A.’s intensely, eye-grabbing, theatrical-looking displaced citizens (in Santa Monica)? It always leaves you to ponder: there must be a complicated backstory here. We’re glad one is finally being told!
Snapshot Prediction: 3.5 out of 5 flashes
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Tyson
(April 24, 2009)
Genre: Documentary
Cast: Mike Tyson
Scoop: A gritty and intimate portrait of one of boxing’s most polarizing figures which recounts Iron Mike’s rise to superstardom and subsequent fall from grace through the eyes of the man himself.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: In a stare-down contest, he inspires so many reactions: teddy bear; warrior; misunderstood pawn. It’s sorta ‘tricky’ that Tyson himself is an exec producer on this, but none the less, the soft-voiced, not-so-gentle giant will reveal something of ringside intrigue; we just know it.
Snapshot Prediction: 3.5 out of 5 flashes
