Screenhead

Yes, it’s Christmas, and there’s plenty of flicks to catch before New Year’s festivities, but remember that cinema isn’t just for Christmas, it’s for life. And so, here at Screenhead we’re picking some potential highlights of next year’s releases, from January to May. And when possible,we’ll provide links to the trailers to start you salivating.

Clover field (Jan 18th in the US, from Feb worldwide)

Well, we all know that Godzilla was an awful movie, and pretty much killed the monster movie genre. That is, until JJ Abrams came along to rejuvenate things. Cloverfield has the basic premise of a monster tearing through New York, but the difference is that it’s mostly shot through handheld consumer camera and camphones. This will create a more visceral effect while also ensuring the “less is scarier” rule of scariness. Think Godzilla meets the Blair Witch. You can watch a five-minute segment here, and it’s very impressive (especially when people crowd around Liberty’s decapitated head to take photos, instead of running for cover).

The Air I Breathe (Jan 25th in the US, from May for the rest of the world)

This is a lesser-known movie that has the potential to be an indie hit. The trailer seems misleading, as this tale of intertwining lives is presented as a generic, and dull, thriller. However, director Jieho Lee adapts an ancient Chinese proverb and turns it into a supposedly emotional and philosophical drama, starring Forest Whitaker and a host of B-Listers such as Sarah Michelle Geller, Andy Garcia, and Brendan Fraser. It’s reviews are exceptionally positive so far, which may suggest the film is more than the sum of its parts.

Be Kind, Rewind (Jan 25th in the US, from Feb worldwide)

Michel Gondry may have written and directed the awfully aimless Science of Sleep, but this film looks like a funny idea. Two slackers working in a video store mistakenly erase all the rental tapes. To appease their demented only customer, they decide to remake all of the films themselves, from Ghostbusters to Driving Miss Daisy. Jack Black and Mos Def are a good comic combo, and the only problem is that the idea may run thin quickly.

Jumper (from Feb 14th in the US and worldwide)

This modest sci-fi action flick could be a sleeper hit. It follows a young man (Hayden “Anakin” Christensen) who discovers he has the power to teleport, or “jump”, from location to location. And he’s not alone, for not only does he meet fellow jumpers, but also those sworn to kill off the jumpers. It’s a mix of X-Men and the Australian kids TV series Tomorrow People, and the trailer definitely promises plenty of entertainment.

My Blueberry Nights (Feb 13th in the US, Feb 22nd in the UK)

Wong Kar Wai has made his name in the independent sector by producing abstruse and visually stunning Asian dramas such as In the Mood for Love and 2046. This film is his first attempt at an English-language flick. So far it has received mixed reviews on the festival circuit, and it’s certainly strange to see Norah Jones as the film’s protagonist, but its strong supporting cast (Jude Law, Rachel Weitz, Natalie Portman), and the director’s distinct style will ensure that it’ll be worth checking out.

The Other Boleyn Girl (From Feb 21st worldwide)

With Scarlett Johannson and Natalie Portman playing the female leads, and Eric Bana (“If any of us get laid tonight, it’s because of Eric Bana”) as the male lead, how can this period drama fail? To be honest, none of those three actors have made great films as of late, but this film has the opportunity to right the sensationalist errors abundant throughout The Tudors, which also dealt with King Henry the Eight’s relationship with Anne Boleyn. Sure, Johannson and Portman don’t look anything alike, despite playing sisters, but that’s hardly the point now, is it?

Vantage Point (From Feb 22nd worldwide)

While sounding mild on paper, this trailer makes Vantage Point look like it’s worth watching. The US President attends a summit in Spain, and an assassination attempt is made. But the film appears to be a strong ensemble piece, as several figures, ranging from Secret Service agents (Matthew Fox) to a TV producer (Sigorney Weaver) to a innocent bystander (Forest Whitaker) with a videocam, all hold fragments of the conspiracy. This could be a fine blend of action and intelligent political intrigue, especially since it’s directed by Pete Travis, who directed the gritty Irish docudrama Omagh.

Shine a Light (From April 4th worldwide)

Last year Martin Scorsese proved that not only is he obsessed with cinema, but he’s also obsessed with music, by making the acclaimed Bob Dylan documentary No Direction Home. Next year sees him documenting his other aural love, the Rolling Stones. The documentary supposedly traces the entire career of the band, it’s only a pity it’s going to heavily feature their latest tour material. Nevertheless, Scorsese’s passion for his subject will inevitably shine through (cue groans).

Iron Man (from April 30th worldwide)

This will be the first major blockbuster of the year (Cloverfield will do well, but its January release will limit its box-office intake), following on the footsteps of Ghost Rider’s surprise success. Robert Downey Jnr plays a weapon designer who gets kidnapped in Afghanistan and threatened to build a missile. Instead he builds an Iron Suit to kick some criminal butt. Placing a comic book figure in a real and quite controversial situation may risk ridicule (see Rocky 4), but at least the trailer features the same-titled Black Sabbath song!

Indiana Jones 4 (May 22nd worldwide)

There is no doubt that this will be the film of the year. Audiences of all ages will flock to see the return of Indy, not only due to the popularity of his past adventures, but also because Indy’s son will be played by current It Boy Shia Lebeouf, who will draw in the teens. It doesn’t matter if Harrison Ford is so old that they’ll probably have to use CGI to make him run, or that it’s title is so bad I refuse to refer to it, this Spielberg flick has absolutely everything going for it, and it will remain critic-proof.

And, if you’re wondering why I didn’t include 10,000 BC, Semi-Pro, or Speed Racer, well that’s because it’s either unappealing, over-repetitive, or just plain nuts.

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