Smart Summer Movies?
Filed under: Action, Drama, Exhibition
I know that, within a few weeks, summer movie previews
will be a dime a dozen, and I promise, we won't link to all of them. Jeffery Wells' is notable, however,
because he's actually optimistic about what's to come -- not, mind you, because the movies are all going to be good,
but because it strikes him that this year's summer slate is "a little bit craftier and less dumbed-down than
usual." (Mind you, right after he says that, there's a picture of Colin Farrell and Jamie
Foxx. Is that a mixed message?) Wells goes so far as to suggest that, of the 15 major releases coming this summer,
"only two or three seem deliberately aimed at the bozos." I'll let you read for yourself to see which films
he's dismissing, but the possibility that watching the majority of big, summer releases might actually required brain
power is fairly exciting.Among the films Wells points to as evidence of the whole "thinking summer" thing are Flags of Our Fathers, World Trade Center, Apocalypto and, wishfully, Miami Vice, about which I share his mixed feelings of dread (constant problems during production, unpredictable stars, possible empty script) and eagerness (For the love of God, it's Michael Mann! How bad could the movie possible be?). In addition to giving ample space to the big releases, Wells' column also offers up some worthy, smaller alternatives for each weekend, so it's worth a read even for those among us who scorn the multiplex.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-03-2006 @ 8:59PM
Neil said...
It appears as though there may be a trend in Hollywood to create more cerebral films. What are the motivating factors though?
I believe, for one, that the failure of big box office hopefuls like The Island and The Alamo have something to do with this trend. But box office aside, I also believe that American audiences may be a little more inclined to watch movies that make them think.
Also, this summer seems to be the season that Hollywood has decided to make movies surrounding the events that occurred on 9/11. Although there have been some protests about this move - some audience members have claimed this is too soon. I think that the presence of such films in the market may have influenced other filmmakers to create more politically mindful and thought-provoking films.
One need only look at this year's Oscars to see that yesteryear's Hollywood common-denominator fanfare could be on its way out -- well, at least after Pirates of the Caribbean comes out.
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4-03-2006 @ 11:49PM
Jes said...
I like Pirates of the Carribean! Johnny Depp.... HELLOOOOOO!!!!!!!! :)
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4-04-2006 @ 6:42AM
Richard Brunton said...
I share the same mixed feelings and concern over Miami Vice. 80's cheese material, possibly missing a strong plot, one very unpredictable actor, but as you say on that other side is the immense Mann.
Ach, you know we'll go and see it anyway!
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4-04-2006 @ 7:32AM
Tom said...
In Re: Miami Vice---
For the love of God, it's Michael Mann! How can it possibly be any good at all?
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