July 2009 New Summer Movie Preview
Public Enemies, Bruno, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Jun 28, 2009
In addition to June's two big blockbusters, Pixar's Up and the new Star Trek have been holding steady with impressive numbers. July has at least two surefire hits (mass hype being responsible moreso than any guarantee of quality), but the remaining films look largely uninspiring, with one or two dark horses in the running. For the most part, there hardly seems much point venturing out into the heat.
Public Enemies (July 1): One of the potentially satisfying films of the month from both a blockbuster and artistic standpoint. With star power like Johnny Depp, Marion Cotillard, and Christian Bale, the eye candy and quality will be engaging. Visually, Michael Mann films have a well-earned reputation for being stunning and polished, yet original. The buzz is promising, but the timing release (4th of July weekend) and the talent behind this one should ensure a more-than-decent opening.
Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (July 1): Previews for this seem uninspired. So many kid flicks don't have to try; they succeed merely because they are there and tolerable. Cute moments are a fairly dependable guess, but it looks like it still might feel like a long 94 minutes. On the other hand, these films can sometimes be surprisingly charming (thanks in part, no doubt, to low expectations).
Bruno (July 10): The outrageousness of Borat could only be topped by the same man, Sacha Baron Cohen. It goes without saying that this film won't be for everyone (but the media hype and massive box office will no doubt feel like it is). In all honesty, the preview is unfunny stereotype trash that puts unsuspecting "real" audience members in awkward/forced/cruel situations. Somehow parading around with supposed tongue-in-cheek humor makes it okay to be offensive. It doesn't look even accidentally funny.
I Love You, Beth Cooper (July 10): After viewing this trailer, July 10th seems a good weekend to go somewhere other than a movie theater. Obvious, dead-horse-trampled-to-the-ground material such as this (unrequited high school love of the geek and the princess babe for whom he aches) needs to have something really going for it to make it worth sitting through. Hayden Panettiere (of Heroes fame) and Paul Rust may very well bring scintillating charm to the screen. It looks unlikely, and with Chris Columbus directing, very little seems promising about this one.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (July 15): Despite being delayed (rumor has it) due to Daniel Radcliffe's raunchier Broadway performance happening simultaneously, there's no reason to doubt this movie will bring huge returns. The Potter movies will always be mediocre at best when compared to the novels, but it has yet to stop droves hoping for everything to be captured just as it should be. Some films are better than others (all have been more mature than the first two sillier installments), and as the films progress in darkness, it is always hoped they will still maintain the story's essential humor. Strong directors with a gift for storytelling flow is mandatory here.
G-Force (July 24): Crude humor is hopefully not as pervasive here as the preview suggests. And the very odd pairing of producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Disney doesn't even sound like a very good idea. Then again, the premise that revolves around special-agent-style guinea pigs protecting the world--does it even matter?--sounds about right for typical Bruckheimer. What could potentially be cute family-friendly-fare instead looks to be of the same ilk as the base Alvin & the Chipmunks live-action flick. So this could easily do the same $200 million.
The Ugly Truth (July 24): Before you can carry tripe solely on your charismatic screen presence (see Sandra Bullock in The Proposal), you must first have a creditable charismatic screen presence. Katherine Heigl no doubt has a rabid Grey's Anatomy fan base, in addition to minor success in the romantic comedy genre (merely support in Knocked Up, she fared less well in the dreary 27 Dresses), but if the trailer is any indication, the performances here need to be positively radiant both in wit and desirability to make up for the sheer dull ache of the eye-glazingly stale material.
Funny People (July 31): Just because fifty movies have come out that look like Judd Apatow movies (or star his favored actors), this is only the third feature-length film he has directed. Featuring a more bittersweet story (a dying comedian takes a greener performer under his wing) and starring Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen, the film will no doubt still implement plenty of sexual humor. Buzz is limited, but sounds very promising, including whispers of Oscar nominations as well as a poignantly written script.
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