I’ve pretty much written off the majority of the year when it comes to movies that visit our area screens. The major releases we’re offered generally come in one of three flavors — some version of “Saw,” some version of “Runaway Bride,” and some version of “Diehard.”
Oh, and count the recent book-film phenomenon “Twilight” as the new gold standard. When you can get teenage girls to shriek in delight upon hearing the line, “You better hold on tight, spider monkey,” you know you’ve hit pay dirt.
But, of course, it’s not my bag.
There’s always this little window, however, right around the Oscars, when it’s tempting to return to the theater.
“Slumdog MIllionaire”
It seems like the movies are generally down this year, but I did catch “Slumdog Millionaire” last night. It’s a pretty clever film. The cinematography is sensational. The premise is excellent. The kid actors are brilliant. I’m not sure it’s Best Picture material (it’s nominated), but it’s worth seeing.
I’ve heard good things about Clint Eastwood’s “Gran Torino,” though I hear you might want to grab the Prozac. I suppose “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is worth seeing, but I can’t seem to drag myself to it, for some reason.
I really want to see Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler,” but it hasn’t sniffed area screens yet (and that makes me want to pile-drive someone). “Milk” with Sean Penn is finally showing at Prime 11 in Anderson.
I had a huge window to see Heath Ledger’s performance in “The Dark Knight,” but missed it. If I had nothing but time, and someone gave me a movie pass, I could probably be talked into “Revolutionary Road.” I like director Sam Mendes (and Leo and Kate are up for Best Actor/Actress awards).
But movies in area theaters are just a tough sell for me this year. I’m becoming more and more cynical about it.
Last night, a massive line of people was exiting some movie, and I was thinking, “What the heck did everyone want to see?” It was like Charlton Heston and a cast of thousands walking out of this theater. Man, how many people can they fit in there?
I looked over at the sign. I squinted my eyes. What does that say? “Mall Cop?”
Yep, “Paul Blart: Mall Cop.” There you go. There you have it. The people have spoken.
But I’m a bitter old coot. What were your top picks for the year?
