If you’re looking to break out of the Berkeley bubble for a couple of hours of cinematic escapism you’re in luck. There’s plenty to offer at the cinema this week and your friendly Daily Cal Arts Staff have reviewed a selection of this week’s offerings to inform, guide… dictate your decision.
In honor of Clint Eastwood, the star of one of this week’s films, “Trouble with the Curve,” I’ve divided this week’s movies into “The Good,” The Bad” and “The Ugly.” Enjoy these synopses and don’t’ forget to click on the links for an in depth look at the latest releases:
The Good:
If your first assignments aren’t doing enough to lower your spirits, perennial pessimist David Cronenburg is back to his old angsty tricks with “Cosmopolis,” starring a suitably wooden Robert Pattinson. When quizzed by Jon Stewart as to what the film was actually about, star Robert Pattinson was unable to furnish and answer. The ever-snazzy Jessica Pena was somewhat more successful; you can check out here review here.
The Bad:
Guillaume Canet’s latest film “Little White Lies” has hit American screens. Canet’s much anticipated follow up to “Tell No One” was actually released in France a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, sitting through this hours long holiday-gone-wrong epic will make you wish “Little White Lies” had taken a little while longer in getting here.
The Ugly:
In “Trouble With the Curve,” Clint Eastwood stars as a geriatric baseball scout who has trouble seeing, driving and feeling emotion — although fortunately, he can still start a good bar fight Sadly, Eastwood’s character isn’t the only one losing his marbles. The film’s flaws read like a litany of FILM 101 mistakes: a poor script, terrible dialogue and bad acting. Justin Timberlake is the film’s saving grace for, well, being himself. But even little ol’ JT is staring to show his age. It’s pretty damn difficult to bring sexy back when you’re in your thirties. The poor kid’s wisecracks fall on deaf ears in this film and, judging by his steely grin, Clint clearly doesn’t give a damn about what “Future, Sex, Love Sounds” an over-the-hill popstar can make in his second-wind film career. Then again, Clint was probably too busy rehearsing his lines to empty chairs.
Ok, enough chair jokes. Just stay away from this film and check for my review on Monday!
Film News
It turns out that the sequel to “Before Sunrise” and “Before Sunset” has already finished production in Greece. The film will be called “Before Midnight,” though given it’s hasty production, “Before You Knew It!” or “Surprise!” might be nearer more apt. “Before Midnight” will premiere sometime next year.
Keeping our eyes on Europe, the Venice Film Festival is well and truly under way. Yes, as the summer draws to a close and our bags get heavier with yet more books some lucky film people crowd hotels and cinemas on the Venetian Lido for a celebration of cinema. Those looking for a Cal connection should note that Paul Thomas Anderson’s hotly anticipated “The Master” was shot in the Berkeley area.
Thomas Coughlan is the lead film critic. Contact him at [email protected]
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