I‘ll be coming at you later in the week with the Cannes edition of the Trailer Roundup but for the time being, here’s some English language stuff that looks promising – for the most part.
Martin Hynes’ film played to good reviews and sound buzz at Sundance in 2007 but for whatever reason, it never saw the light of day and a whole load of people were disappointed. That surprises me a little considering it stars Zooey Deschanel and Jena Malone, both indie film regulars, and it’s a road trip film that fits the profile of typical feel-good “indie” big audiences go for. If nothing else, I’ll see it for Deschanel and Malone.
The Go-Getter opens in limited release on June 6th.
Happy-Go-Lucky
In a surprise turn, director Mike Leigh has turned from heavy dramatic fare to light and apparently funny fare with this film about Poppy, a thirty-year old Primary School teacher in North London who takes everything in life, good and bad, with a positive attitude.
So it doesn’t sound like the most dramatic of films but I’m always looking for something fun and this films seems to be just what the doctor ordered. Throw in the fact that it comes from a critically acclaimed director and that actress Sally Hawkins took home an acting prize at Berlin and I’m more than sold.
Happy-Go-Lucky opens on September 26th.
More trailers tucked under the seat.
The Human Contract
The only real thing this film has going for it is that it’s written and directed by Jada Pinkett Smith and when all things are considered, that’s not really saying much.
This sexual thriller reminds me a whole lot of Deception and that’s not a good thing but add in Paz Vega and Ted Danson and I’m surprisingly curious though not enough to be sold on the project.
The Human Contract doesn’t currently have a release date.
He’s Just Not That Into You
I know what you’re thinking. What’s a big budget rom-com doing on the list?? One name: Ginnifer Goodwin. No bells? Add in Jennifer Connelly and Scarlett Johansson.
Agreed, this is probably a bit of a hard sell, especially coming from the director of this crap that will remain nameless to avoid any wrist slitting from Colleen, but I must admit, I’m more than a little curious.
I’ve only ever seen Goodwin on television in HBO’s fantastic “Big Love” but she’s my favourite of the wives and I’m curious to see her in other roles. Add in Connelly, who’s always fabulous, Justin Long, Drew Barrymore and yes, even Ben Affleck and you’re guaranteed my money.
I’m hoping for the best.
He’s Just Not That Into You opens on October 24th.
Ginnifer Goodwin does indeed shine in BIG LOVE, even if you occasionally want to strangle her character.
All the wifes are so good in that show. It really made me stand up and notice Jeanne Tripplehorn (before HBO, I only remembered only her terrible performance in Basic Instinct) and of course, even with performing fellatio on Vincent Gallo or being drunkenly raped, or threatend by a chainsaw by Christian Bale, Chloë Sevigny is always excellent.
(BTW, Mary Kay Place, Bruce Dern, Harry Dean Stanton and Grace Zabriskie also make BIG LOVE a must-watch slice of Television.)
Agreed.
I saw Happy-Go-Lucky sometime last month – great film. Such a removal from Leigh’s usual very serious, often depressing films. Check out my review at my site if you want.
New Mike Leigh is always a good thing.
Argg….. I clicked on the link…Must cut wrists now
Ah! Who *will* we get to sit in on our next preview show?
I am psyched about the Leigh Film, I think it is an interesting departure for the master of despair. Hoping it comes to TIFF.
Which speaking of, going by IMDB notices of works in production and supposing which may come to TIFF, I am a bit disappointed that the year that I can possibly do the full festival experience my favorite directors are between jobs. With the exception of Van Sant’s Milk biopic and the Leigh film, I do not anticipate appearances by my favorites:
Spike Lee
Terrence Malick
Wong Kar-Wai
Werner Herzog
Richard Linklater
Todd Field
David Lynch
But who knows.
oh wait scratch that Lee has a war film coming out in October so maybe he will make it to TIFF
Leigh is the master of despair? Are you sure you’re not confusing him with Ken Loach? At least Mike Leigh has humour in his films!
Secrets and Lies, Naked, All or Nothing, Vera Drake, that is a lot of despair. Topsy-Turvy was a turn for the light-hearted and I really enjoyed it but this new film seems to be taking that further.
I think Mike Leigh is generally considered the lighter, more optimistic of the two seminal british filmmakers. I mean have you seen ‘Family Life’? Talk about despair.
Mike Hodges (another Brit fav) tends to make some pretty good noir pictures that are (almost by definition) pretty dark: Get Carter, Croupier, I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead…
The Go-Getters looks great. I have a HUGE crush on Maura Tierney. You all can fight over Deschanel, I’ll take home Maura any day. I also like the fact that M. Ward (the other part to Zooey’s band, She and Him) is the primary soundtrack. Awesome.
Ok, on to the next trailer…
Apparently I’m the only one who doesn’t know who Mike Leigh is around here. Had to look him up on the database. I’ve never seen Vera Drake, but have come close to picking up Topsy-Turvy a few times. And to be honest, this trailer looks… meh. Alright. Trying a bit too hard I should think.
Cheers.
The Human Contract looks not very good. I do like Paz Vega though (yes in that ay, but also as an actress). She’s quite good, so I’m intrigued. Also to see what Jada can do behind the camera I guess.
Next!
Jennifer Aniston. I’m in.
Ginnifer Goodwin is great! She was good in Ed, she was good in Mona Lisa Smile. Even though she didn’t look as charming in the trailer as she usually does, the shot of her looking at the phone at the end of her ‘segment’ is great.
Nice call on Mona Lisa Smile Henrik. I actually saw that but the fact she was in that had completely slipped my mind.