KNOCKED UP
In the same vein of the hilarity that is ABC's "Notes from the Underbelly," this film explores the trauma that comes along with an unexpected pregnancy for two under-qualified strangers, Katherine Heigl ("Grey's Anatomy") and Seth Rogen (The 40 Year Old Virgin), who had a one night stand. Playing their life support are actors who are known for being designated best friends: Leslie Mann (Big Daddy), Paul Rudd (The 40 Year Old Virgin), Jason Segel ("How I Met your Mother"), Jonah Hill (Accepted), Jay Baruchel ("Undeclared"), and Martin Star ("Freaks and Geeks"). Like I mentioned last week, there's a lot of faith in Rogen and his ability to turn out a great comedy, as he's done before in supporting roles. I've always seen him as a meathead, but after this role of playing the nearly retarded, emotionally-challenged, and unambitious counterpart to Heigl's independent hottie, he just might broaden that perspective. And while Rogen's future is promising, it seems he's more interested in paving the way for the future frat pack, who may be lead by none other than Jonah Hill, his young doppleganger. Hill will be costarring in Rogen's next writing venture Superbad, after being in One Part Sugar with his fellow brother in comedy Justin Long (Accepted) and alongside Rogen's good friend Steve Carrell in Evan Almighty. Watch both actors this weekend to see history in the making. Or...just go see Heigl get half naked.
MR. BROOKS
Kevin Costner shrugs off his former reluctant heartthrob rep and dons a creepy serial killer persona in this mystery thriller starring Demi Moore, the diligent cop, Dane Cook, the snooping photographer, and William Hurt (The Good Shepherd), Brooks's confidant. Costner has alluded to the idea that if this film is successful, he intends on making the character a part of a saga or trilogy of films. However, if it were to do well it would also mean a lot for his costars--Moore would have fully recovered from the slump she's endured since her hiatus and Cook will have successfully stepped into a new genre. But is it worth the ticket price? I'd say it's probably more gripping than Perfect Stranger...so, maybe it won't suck? The fact is: Women go see Costner cause they think he has that eternal Clooney hotness and watching him be merciless is probably not all that appealing. But if you happen to be interested in the story then you might want to discover how this particular serial killer manages to kill his victims without leaving a trail (kind of like Fracture), how Moore's taunted by him (kind of like Hannibal), and how his daughter (Danielle Panabaker, from Yours, Mines and Ours) will react when she slowly pieces together the truth about her father (like in The Glass House). It may not be original content, but maybe it'll have an original ending.
DAY WATCH
I know the previous two films have been getting more press than this one, but this Russian indie will surely be an underground sleeper hit that'll be just as under appreciated as last year's District B-13. Even though I didn't watch all of the Matrix films, I'd say that this action film puts the trilogy's special effects to shame. Russian director Timur Bekmambetov is making his American debut this year with two films: Wanted with Morgan Freeman, Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy, and Common, and 9 with Elijah Wood, John C. Reilly, and Jennifer Connelly. He's most certainly one to watch. This action sci-fi/horror/action flick is a sequel to Night Watch. But don't be discouraged. Even if you don't get to watch the first--like Blade and even Die Hard--there's no real prior knowledge necessary. It, like Children of Men, deals with a post-apocalyptic world. A man who's stuck in the midst of a war between the forces of Light and Dark discovers something that'll restore Moscow to what it once was. Too philosophical for you? Watch the trailer and the sick driving that goes on in the end--making Vin Deisel look like he was operating a tricycle in The Fast and the Furious--and you'll be swayed.
RISE: BLOOD HUNTER
If you want a more dumbed down action flick, then Lucy Lui's latest will do the trick. As a result of being written and directed by Sebastian Gutierrez (Snakes on a Plane, Gothika), this vampire movie is grounded more in realistic locations, wardrobe, and personalities than say Underworld or Blade. The premise revolves around a cop that is raped and murdered by a vampire couple played by Brit James D'Arcy (Mansfield Park) and Carla Gugino ("Entourage"). After she wakes up in the morgue, hellbent on revenge, they try to convince her that she must accept what she is now. But like every involuntary vampire, she'd rather be dead. Unfortunately, there literally is no life in Lui during the trailer, so I doubt her performance will be any more impressive. Other than the lesbian kiss, I don't really see anyone finding a reason to watch it.
GRACIE
I know you've probably seen your share of underdog sports films from Rudy to Radio, but just give this one a chance. Amanda Bynes had a similar story in She's the Man, which I thought was hilarious. But, this is a true tale about a girl who takes her brother's place on a soccer team after he dies in a car accident. She's not only grieving for the loss of her best friend, but battling naysayers who are stuck in the dark ages with the notion that women are deficient in all things athletic. I'm sorry, have you ever heard the names Mia Hamm, Serena Williams, or Laila Ali? The lead, Carly Schroeder (Mean Creek), is an up and coming actress with a lot of promise. She'll have you screaming at the misogynists on the screen and mentally pinpointing the nearest Modell's for a soccer ball.
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