So I’m still working through MSN, but I’m not done yet. I see that Filmspotting has begun their Top 5 Anticipated Fall Movies list, and will be concluding it next week. I’m not sure if this fall will be as strong as they seem to think (the first half certainly wasn’t as strong as the first half of 2006), but there are several movies I’m looking forward to this fall. So here’s my list:
- There Will Be Blood (December 26): Director Paul Thomas Anderson always seems to turn in interesting efforts, and this adaptation (which is something new for Anderson, as he usually writes his own stuff) of an Upton Sinclair novel seems ripe for Anderson’s style. The subject matter, the grueling 1927 oil prospecting scene, could be interesting and Anderson seems to make even mundane stuff good. Add in an actor like Daniel Day-Lewis, and I think we’re in for something pretty good.
- Lust, Caution (September 28): Ang Lee can get a little ponderous with his stuff, but this espionage thriller sounds interesting, and the unusual setting might be a big part of that. I still haven’t seen Lee’s Brokeback Mountain, but from what I’ve seen of Lee, I think this could be good.
- 3:10 to Yuma (September 7) – One of the genres I wasn’t been very familiar with was Westerns, and I’ve seen a bunch over the last year (several are on my to watch list). This film, a remake of a 1957 film with the same title and adapted from an Elmore Leonard story, stars Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. As you might notice in the rest of my list, the director of a film is usually what attracts me to that film (also, the story). In this case, it’s the actors (and the story). I’m particularly interested in Bale, who is one of the more talented young actors.
- Eastern Promises (September 14): I was pleasantly surprised by director David Cronenberg’s 2005 film, A History of Violence, and this new film looks like it’s along the same lines. It delves into a world of Russian mobsters in London and stars History alum Viggo Mortensen. Will it be as good as History? It’s got expectations going against it, so I’m doubting that, but I think it will be worth watching.
- No Country for Old Men (November 9): The Coen brothers always interest me, and this film is no exception. A few months ago, I did a quick draft of a top 100 movies list, and I was surprised to see that there were at least 5 Coen brother films in consideration, and at least 3 of those would actually make it on the list. Perhaps I shouldn’t be, as the Coens always seem to produce good stuff.
- Honorable Mention: 30 Days of Night (October 19 – This would seem like a cheesy vampire movie with a gimmicky plot if it weren’t for director David Slade’s involvement. Slade’s Hard Candy was one of my favorite movies of last year, and I had similar apprehensions about that movie, so I’m actually looking forward to this), American Gangster (November 2 – Starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe and directed by Ridley Scott, I was really looking forward to this until I saw the preview, which knocked it down a few pegs. It could still be good, but I’m not on fire about this one anymore.), Shoot ‘Em Up (September 7 – An action movie with Paul Giamatti and Clive Owen that looks like a lot of fun and… little else.), The Mist (November 21 – Frank Darabont’s adaptation of yet another Stephen King story seems interesting, if only because Darabont and King seem to mix real well), Youth Without Youth (December 14 – Francis Ford Coppola returns to directing, and he’s vowing to make more “personal movies.” Whatever that means. Could be interesting, as the man has directed 4 exceptional movies… unfortunately, they were all made in the 1970s.)
- I’m not sure what to make of: The Kingdom (September 28 – I don’t know what to expect from this and I keep swinging back and forth on whether I want to see it), The Heartbreak Kid (October 5 – the Farrelly brothers turn in their first R rated comedy since 2000 – Eh, maybe.) , The Darjeeling Limited (September 29, limited, October, wide – Director Wes Anderson is extremely uneven in my mind, so I’m never sure if I’m going to like his movies – I hated his last movie), Michael Clayton (October 5 – a thriller written and directed by one of the people behind the Bourne franchise? Ok, I’m interested I guess.), and Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (November 16 – Looks kinda like a poor man’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).
Well, it looks to at least be an interesting fall. I’m a little wary of some of these films, but the talent is certainly there, and besides, there are always a couple of films that are big surprises (who knows, maybe one of the remaining movies on my 5 Upcoming Movies I Want To See Even Though I Know They’ll Suck list will be awesome – so far, The Bourne Ultimatum is the only one that turned out really well, though The Simpsons Movie wasn’t a total wash)