Spring movie preview: Nine movies to see this season
By John Serba | The Grand Rapids Press
February 28, 2010, 9:16AM
"Release the Kraken!"
I've always wanted to lead a column with that phrase, but it's finally appropriate: The "Clash of the Titans" remake is one of the spring movie season's tentpoles. And why, exactly, the massive undersea creature is revealed in the trailer is beyond my understanding -- it was the climax of the original 1981 movie.
The Kraken also exists as a movie metaphor; every week, the Hollywood machine unleashes a beast intended to wreak havoc at the cineplex. And just as the new CGI Kraken faces the intense scrutiny of our anticipation, each new film might be a sight to behold -- or just a big, fat disappointment.
Thus, the April-March release corridor: Every week for the next two months, a movie with big expectations will stomp into theaters trying to impress us. Here are nine to watch in the next two months (release dates are subject to change):
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"Alice in Wonderland" (PG)
In what seems like a perfect creative match, Tim Burton tackles author Lewis Carroll's triptastic psychedelic classic. Johnny Depp looks more like Bozo the Clown than the Mad Hatter, but he's surrounded by a stellar cast, including Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter and (hooray!) Crispin Glover. Young Australian newcomer Mia Wasikowska plays Alice. Will show in 3-D on IMAX and regular-size screens.
(Opens Friday)
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"Green Zone" (R)
The only enduring, truly invigorating action films in recent years have been "The Bourne Ultimatum" and "The Bourne Supremacy." Thus, the reunion of director Paul Greengrass and star Matt Damon for this film is (potentially) awesome. It's about an Army officer who breaks the rules in search of WMDs in an unstable region -- and if it features a sequence as thrillingly virtuosic as the Tangier chase/fight from "Ultimatum," I'll be ecstatic.
(March 12)
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"The Runaways" (R)
Met with a meh at Sundance, but this much-discussed bio about the 1970s rockin' teen-girl group is still generating buzz. Kristen Stewart plays Joan Jett, Dakota Fanning is Cherie Curie. Consider my curiosity piqued.
(March 19)
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"How to Train Your Dragon" (PG)
Dreamworks burned us a little last year with the blah "Monsters vs. Aliens," but we still have reason to be excited about this 3-D animated story about Viking Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third (voice of Jay Baruchel), who must corral a dragon before he can be deemed a man. It's directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, who proved their worthiness with the underrated "Lilo and Stitch." (It's also scheduled for an IMAX 3-D run.)
(March 26)
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"Clash of the Titans" (not yet rated)
I still can't believe they show the Kraken in the trailer. But, the tug of nostalgia may bring those of us who saw the 1981 film to theaters for this remake, starring Sam Worthington ("Avatar") as the monster-battling mortal son of Greek god Zeus (Liam Neeson). The spectacle of big CGI beasts, explosive FX and a 3-D presentation will lure in audiences too young to remember the original's cheesy-but-endearing stop-motion monsters, courtesy of legendary animator Ray Harryhausen.
(April 2)
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"Date Night" (PG-13)
The two funniest people on TV, Steve Carell and Tina Fey, play a blase NYC couple forced into a dangerous chase when they're mistaken for someone else. Fans of "The Office" and "30 Rock" probably are on board already, whether or not they know the huge supporting cast includes Kristen Wiig, Mark Wahlberg, James Franco, Mila Kunis and Mark Ruffalo. But with that PG-13 rating, I'm worried this might be too middle-of-the-road (read: too safe).
(April 9)
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"Kick-Ass" (R)
The Internet has been atwitter about this comedy in which a teen decides to become a superhero despite having bubkus for powers. Based on a comic book by Mark Millar ("Wanted"), this film gained a lot of momentum when Comic-Con '09 attendees went bonkers over footage. It promises to be edgy, violent and funny, and could make newcomer Aaron Johnson a star. Nicolas Cage has a supporting role; Matthew Vaughn ("Layer Cake") directs.
(April 16)
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"Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" (not yet rated)
You've probably already deduced the irony inherent in Oliver Stone's resurrection of a past glory: cash-in! Maybe that's true, but Stone has never failed to be provocative. Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) is released from prison and is the last resort for a young trader (Shia LaBeouf), who needs help warning others of an impending economic catastrophe. Josh Brolin and current Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan ("An Education") also star.
(April 23)
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"A Nightmare on Elm Street" (not yet rated)
One name, and you'll be on board: Jackie Earle Haley. The character actor, charismatic and creepy in "Little Children" and "Watchmen," seems like the absolute perfect choice to play the disfigured freakazoid Freddy Krueger, who returns to haunt the dreams of teens. Finally, a horror remake (possibly) worth our attention.
(April 30)
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