Must-See of the Month:
(Ryan Coogler) – Drama – Jul 12
Summary:
New Year’s Eve 2008, Oscar a young Bay-Area resident makes his way into the
city to celebrate the coming of a new year – that is until he crosses paths with
old enemies and the night takes a tragic turn. Filmmakers:
Writer-director Ryan Coogler makes his feature debut with the film, announcing
himself as a new bright talent to watch. He is working with composer Ludwig Goransson (Community), cinematographer Rachel Morrison (Sound of My Voice), and
production designer Hannah
Beachler. Cast: The film stars Michael B. Jordan and features Chad Michael Murray, Kevin Durand, Octavia Spencer, and Melonie Diaz in support. Expectations: Fruitvale Station won both the
Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Sundance Film Festival
and the Un Certain Regard Avenir Prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. It
looks like a very strong drama lead by a stunning performance from newcomer
Michael B. Jordan, who is drumming up Oscar buzz. Some will recognize Jordan
from Friday Night Lights and
Chronicle
– he is sure to be a star. This is a must-see for fans of very good character
dramas (and it is based on a true story). Trailers:
Here.
Worth Checking Out:
(Woody Allen) – Drama – Jul 26
Summary:
After her husband loses everything (finally being exposed for the fraud he is),
Jasmine seeks refuge in San Francisco with her sister Ginger – though they do
not really get along too well. Filmmakers:
Writer-director Woody Allen makes a film each year. Recently his output has
been overall very good. In the last eight years he has made three brilliant
films (Match
Point, Vicky
Cristina Barcelona, and Midnight
in Paris), three good films (Scoop,
which I love, Cassandra’s Dream,
and Whatever Works), and two
mediocre films that still have their great moments (You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger
and To Rome with Love). He
is working with cinematographer Javier
Aguirresarobe (who shot Vicky Cristina Barcelona) and production designer Santo Loquasto (who has worked
frequently with Allen, but most recently on Whatever Works). Cast: Cate
Blanchett stars and Sally
Hawkins co-stars. Peter
Sarsgaard, Alec Baldwin, Michael Stuhlbarg, Bobby Cannavale, Louis C.K., and Andrew Dice Clay feature in
support. Expectations: Blue Jasmine looks like
it will probably fall into Allen’s middle category – good, but not amazing.
However, it does look very funny and has a great cast (it seems like Allen has
been watching a lot of HBO). I am also interested to see how Allen uses San
Francisco in his narrative, as he always does a great job of making the setting
an essential part of his films. This is a must-see for fans of Allen and those
looking for a funny drama with great performances. Trailer:
Here. Review: Here.
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