I love Rachel McAdams. But Channing Tatum, not so much. And them together? I’m lukewarm. But doesn’t cinema always need a romantic tearjerker? Wait, haven’t I already seen Rachel McAdams lose her memory in an epic love story? Oh right, its called The Notebook. Why god why do we need another? And one that’s called The Vow? I’m surprised this isn’t a Nicholas Sparks novel. This is exactly his kind of shit. But I shouldn’t be too much of a bitch, because this film is based on a true story after all. Though, I’m just not sure if I want to watch it on the big screen. And wouldn’t you know it, this film opens Valentine’s Day 2012. Say it with me, BARF – I mean DEATH!
Synopsis: A newlywed couple recovers from a car accident that puts the wife in a coma. Waking up with severe memory loss, her husband endeavours to win her heart again.
As you know I’m pumped for Red Riding Hood which opens this Friday mainly because the interpretation of this fairytale seems to step outside the fuzzy happy versions we’ve seen before. It looks dark and gloomy and I’m all over it.
Movie making lately mostly fall into the remake, prequel, sequel or adaption category. It’s very rare to find an original script these days. There are some out there, but it’s rare to find. Studios and distributors tend to bank on the films that will make the most money. Sometimes that means whatever’s safest. I think that’s why Christopher Nolan’s Inception was so remarkable. What’s been trending lately are the fairytale remakes. Red Riding Hood is just one of many that are on the horizon.
1. Snow White
Snow White and the Huntsman – It was announced a couple days ago that Kristen Stewart was cast as Snow White. Really? I honestly cannot see KStew dressing up in period costumes prancing around.
Snow and the Seven – The Disney version. For some reason there are some serious Asian influences on this one and I have no idea why. It’s set in Hong Kong and China. I don’t get it. The seven dwarves are “seven international warriors.” I still don’t get it. Supposedly Natalie Portman will be playing the Asian Snow White and Jet Li is rumoured to be one of the seven international warriors. I’m still not getting it.
Once Upon a Time – a TV movie starting Ginnifer Goodwin who is a nun but discovers she was actually Snow White in a previous life. Snore.
2. Peter Pan – Channing Tatum will be playing the flying boy in an prequel called Pan which places Peter Pan and Captain Hook as bros. Honestly, I can only see Channing Tatum in Step Up and nothing more. Sorry… Remember what I thought about the trailer of The Eagle?
3. Pinocchio – There’s a new stop-motion animated version that’s in production. I’m a huge fan of stop-motion when done well. But a stop motion Pinocchio is an easy sell. The others on this list, not so much.
Now I admit, if I hadn’t seen the trailer of Red Riding Hood, I probably would feel just as lukewarm. But I did. So I’m hoping maybe a trailer may change my mind about Channing Tatum in green tights. Just maybe.
I’m not one for classic novels – I think I had an aversion to my English Lit degree during university. I know I read this book, but for the life of me I can’t remember anything about it. Clearly, I was an excellent student. Which leads me to yet another, adaptation of Jane Eyre based on the book by Charlotte Brontë. I admit I naturally don’t gravitate to these types of film. Classic novel adaptations just aren’t my thing. But I remember watching Pride and Prejudice at Toronto International Film Festival in 2005 and was pleasantly surprised. So maybe, just maybe, Jane Eyre and I could be friends.
Well with this trailer, we could be BFFs. There’s a bit of darkness don’t you think? I am loving it. The black smoke, the black eyes, the black cloak – all of it. Was there this much mystery in the book? The way the trailer is ruling, there’s a whole lot of chilling moments. The murky haze and neutral tones just give me goosebumps!
Sidenote: Though I didn’t see much of Jamie Bell in the Jane Eyre trailer, I feel as though his involvement with this film makes up for him being Channing Tatum’s sidekick in The Eagle. Remember what I thought about that trailer? Not much. Read it here.
Jamie Bell with Mia Wasikowska (left) in Jane Eyre
This trailer was released in November 2010 and with a March 11, 2011 release date, I’m sure we’ll see a second trailer very shortly. But until then, this one will do just fine. What do you think?
So I’ve been seeing posters for The Eagle all over LA. I saw the trailer and it seemed to have potential until Channing Tatum opened his mouth. He has the Kevin Costner syndrome where he attempts to speak with a British accent but can’t quite nail it down. It’s only until the end of the trailer when I realized that he was in fact Robin Hood with the fleeting accent. It’s that bad. Also, he kinda speaks with some badass ghetto accent. I feel like he’s going to “Step Up” his ass and start breaking mid scene in his gladiator gear. And Channing Tatum as a Roman warrior is just a big fat no. I smell miscast.
Fortunately there are some good things that may just save this film from its leading man 1) Donald Sutherland 2) Jamie Bell and 3) Director Kevin Macdonald (Last King of Scotland, Touching the Void). Also the story seems as though it could be strong but is it going to be a Gladiator or The Last Legion? You remember The Last Legion right? Well, it’s yet another Roman Empire film with Colin Firth as its Roman lead. Yes you heard me right, COLIN-EFFIN-FIRTH fighting with full warrior gear. It was abysmal.
But hey, I’m still willing to give this film a shot even if it is on DVD. In the meantime though, death or peach?
My Vote: I’m on the fence, but Channing Tatum alone makes me say DEATH. Sorry buddy.
I love Rachel McAdams. But Channing Tatum, not so much. And them together? I’m lukewarm. But doesn’t cinema always need a romantic tearjerker? Wait, haven’t I already seen Rachel McAdams lose her memory in an epic love story? Oh right, its called The Notebook. Why god why do we need another? And one that’s called The Vow? I’m surprised this isn’t a Nicholas Sparks novel. This is exactly his kind of shit. But I shouldn’t be too much of a bitch, because this film is based on a true story after all. Though, I’m just not sure if I want to watch it on the big screen. And wouldn’t you know it, this film opens Valentine’s Day 2012. Say it with me, BARF – I mean DEATH!
Death and Peaches 