Written by And this will end it. I’ll just say mixed bag here for August and get on with it.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (August 5)- There’s a lot to dislike about this film. For me the title is really the worst part. Any time your title is 7 words long, you’re in trouble. Any time your title has 2 ofs and 2 thes in it, you’re in trouble. Why not just Rise of the Apes, which makes more sense anyway. Ugh whatever. I do like James Franco, but this has stinker written all over it.
30 Minutes or Less (August 12)- When I first heard of this movie based (LOOSELY) on the true story of a pizza delivery guy who was kidnapped and strapped with a bomb, I did not think “comedy.” But it looks like they may have put together something pretty funny. It’s also being directed by Ruben Fleischer of Zombieland, which I still think is enduring as one of the most fun films of the last 5 years. AND it’s got Danny McBride, Nick Swardson, Aziz Ansari, and Oscar Nominee Jesse Eisenberg. If he had invented pizza delivery bank robbery, he would have invented pizza delivery bank robbery.
Final Desitination 5 (August 12)- One of four marquee horror releases this month, which is strange because there aren’t any for the rest of the summer really. Once titled 5nal Destination (MUCH better?!), this film continues the Rube Goldberg-like killing and improbable dodging of various devices of death. I will say this for this franchise, despite not knowing what FINAL means, they do entertain with all of the crazy kills. No trailer up for this one yet.
The Help (August 12)- Atypical summer fare to say the least. It looks like a semi-light-hearted take on unlikely friendships in the separatist era South. Heartwarming, uplifting and it has Viola Davis who is awesome. And supercrush Emma Stone again!
Conan the Barbarian 3D (August 19)- He’s all muscle-y! He’s all scantily clad. He’s in 3D! This could be pretty fun, he sure looks like he’s having fun when he’s swinging that sword. My hope is that they really don’t take themselves too seriously. Trailer has a little bit of good with some cheese, which is what I think they need.
Fright Night (August 19)- A remake of a horror cult classic. Interesting lineup- Colin Farrell and Anton Yelchin and Toni Collette and that sexy cheeseburger, McLovin. Looks like it’ll be a comedy-horror of sorts, which could be nice- Farrell is at his best when he’s making jokes and being sly/smooth, not when asked to carry any real weight. Here’s the trailer for the original.
Apollo 18 (August 26)- There’s something on the moon! I think that’s the idea behind this one. Expect Blair Witch Project 3: Horror on the Moon, maybe with a little Event Horizon craziness. I’m not too impressed with the trailer. Found footage movies are always a tough sell for me.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (August 26)- And rounding out the 4 horror movie August is the best of the bunch I’d wager. Only one name you need to hear associated with this one: Guillermo Del Toro. It’s another remake, this time starring Katie Holmes and Guy Pearce. I’m sure the creatures will be terrifying and the tone should be right on. This is one horror flick I’m really excited for.
Our Idiot Brother (August 26)- It looks like it’s a little quirky and it’s got Paul Rudd just being an idiot, I think it’ll be a winner. It hasn’t gotten the super love I thought it would on the festival circuit, but I mean just everyone loves Paul Rudd right? If you don’t what’s wrong with you?
So August has a crazy mix of horror, action, and comedy. That should be good times. Lots of interesting stuff to catch. I know this summer is chock full of comic books, remakes, reboots, and sequels, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a bad summer. I’m actually really looking forward to it. And I don’t feel bad about it. I want original films as much as the next guy, maybe even more, but while I wait for them, I might as well have a little fun!
