Believe it or not, another quarter has passed. And, even though Super 8 was not as a good as I predicted, I am making a prediction list for films coming out in the third quarter of 2011. A prediction of the best. I also, very reluctantly since this is only a list of five, did not include Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, but that doesn't mean you should not see it. Anyway, here goes.
5. Winnie the Pooh
July 15
A.A. Milne's charming works are a beloved part of most of our childhoods. This adaptation of his book is being promised by the studio as both a "tribute" and another timeless tale.
Meet the Robinsons' Steven Anderson and debut director Don Hall reboot the film franchise with traditional 2-D animation and a G-rating. Here is a quote from Character Animator Cesar Cueva: "Winnie the Pooh is not your traditional “modern” animated feature. It’s doesn’t offer any flashy effects or well planned out action sequences. There is no magic, no plot twists and no added adult humor or pop culture references to entice the older audiences. No, Winnie the Pooh is an old fashioned Disney 2D/ hand drawn animated film through and through. It knows its core audience and it’s an effective film for 3 reasons: simple storytelling, a subtle yet powerful moral message, and a creative imagination. All these add up to something that gets lost in today’s films of CG, bi
g action sequences, grand sets, and manufactured emotions… Innocence." If what he says is true, this will be a charming picture that will delight children most of all, but will be fun for older people as well.
Also, it is with sadness I mention that aside from a 3-D rerelease of The Lion King, Pooh is the only wide release animated film of the quarter. Unless you count Smurfs, in which case I must shoot you.
4. Take Shelter
October 14
This was a huge hit with critics at both Sundance and Cannes. Written and directed by Jeff Nichols (Shotgun Stories), tells the story of a middle-aged man (Michael Shannon) with a wife and kids who suddenly gets it into his head that imminent doom is coming and he must prepare for it. Is it madness? A premonition? Both? Whatever it is, the praise wasn't unanimous, but it was pretty strong. This is one of the year's first Oscar contenders.
Also, it comes out a week after the more publicized Sundance hit Martha Marcy May Marlene, which some of you (probably the ones on Screened) are wondering why I have not included. The reasons are 1) I'm getting pretty sick of dream/hallucination films, and 2) it has a pretty bad MPAA rating.
3. Life, Above All
July 15
A South African picture which has had no plot details released sounds like something most people would choose to pass by, but wait. This is apparently a touching mother-daughter story that was a hit at Cannes that made everyone cry and cheer. Sure, I got that from its trailer; even so, I think this might be and enlightening and powerful drama. It is based on a book calledChanda's Secrets which doesn't have any readily available descriptions and I will not investigate further for fear of plot details.
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II
July 15 (Yeah, that's the third one with that release date)
Another little known indie flick, Harry Potter is probably going to be overshadowed by that South African movie in such a competitive weekend, but I think it deserves a mention.
In all seriousness, I think a moment of silence must be given in awe of the end of a phenomena. Only one franchise can in any form compare to the huge appeal and love these stories of a wizard growing up have been. It is the epic conclusion we have all been waiting for, and, as someone who read the novel, I can assure you its a good one.
Whether you yourself are not an avid fan of the franchise, it must be noted Potter has captured the imagination and heart of thousands of people. That is an incredible feat. And that is why it is important to note the release of this movie in my blog.
That said, it is worth noting that David Yates and Eduardo Serra have brought some of the worst cinematography ever to the franchise. Shot in tones of gray, black, and green, Harry Potter might be loaded with awesome visuals, but its coloring makes my eyeballs scream.
1. Life in a Day
July 29
Oscar nominated Director Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland, State of Play, The Eagle), who can do some pretty great stuff teamed up with Ridley Scott to ask people to send in Youtube clips of bits of their day and compiled it to portray a day on Earth. Edited into a finished product, the movie gets a theatrical release (albeit limited) in about a month. This is apparently similar to a 2004 project called "A Moment on Earth," which was made using videos from over sixty filmmakers. Still, I think Life in a Day seems a pretty original concept and could be something truly amazing. The few critics who have reviewed it have said as much.
Excited for the third quarter of 2011? See you at the movies.
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