A look at what’s weird in theaters, on hot-off-the-presses DVDs, and on more distant horizons…
Trailers of new release movies are generally available on the official site links.
IN THEATERS (WIDE RELEASE):
Race to Witch Mountain (2009): This remake of Disney’s popular 1975 fantasy Escape to Witch Mountain, about two orphan kids with supernatural powers and unknown origins, has been getting hammered by critics who think it’s shallow but action-packed. With The Rock (Dwayne Johnson), whose presence provides another reason to be skeptical. Escape to Witch Mountain Official Site.
IN THEATERS (LIMITED RELEASE):
The Perfect Sleep (2009): An existential film noir tribute about a retired assassin who returns to a nameless city to protect the only woman he has ever loved. Sounds intriguing. The Perfect Sleep Official Site.
Severed Ways: The Norse Discovery of America (2009): This micro-budget, DIY film about two Vikings stranded in North America in 1007 AD has been savaged by critics who are unimpressed by its “independent spirit.” With a black metal soundtrack, amateur production values, dialogue in Old Norse, rape and defecation, this appears to be a genuine el cheapo oddity of the sort that in years past might have played at the bottom third of a drive-in triple bill. Severed Ways Official Site
UPCOMING NEXT WEEK:
W the Movie (2008): Politically charged, psychedelic assault on the presidency of George W. Bush. From the trailer, it seems to have that NYC underground film spirit that has gone AWOL of late. Premiering at the New York International Film Festival on March 20th, 10:00 PM, at the Village East Cinema. Future dates to be decided. W the Movie Official Site.
NEW ON DVD:
Ben X (2007): Under-the-radar Belgian fest-favorite about a mildly autistic boy who blurs the line between video game reality and high school reality. Variety says it’s “a potential crowd-pleaser that could appeal to auds predisposed toward the likes of ‘Donnie Darko.'”
Escape to Witch Mountain (1975) (Special Edition): Disney is re-releasing the 70s children’s fantasy to coincide with the remake (see above). Also receiving special edition treatment this week is the 1978 sequel, Return from Witch Mountain.
Groom Lake (2002): All you need to know is that it’s a cheap “UFOs are out there!” movie written by, directed by, and starring the inimitable William Shatner.
Howard the Duck (1986) (Special Edition): This notorious George Lucas produced 80s kiddie fantasy bomb about a cigar-smoking duck from an alternate universe who winds up saving the universe from evil aliens in Cleveland is finally getting a long-awaited video release. It’s your chance to judge for yourself whether it deserves its reputation as one of the worst big-budget pictures ever, or if its an underacknowleged masterpiece.
Let the Right One In (2008): Innovative Swedish movie about a 12 year old boy who falls in love with a neighbor girl who is a vampire. A presumedly inferior Hollywood remake is already in the works for those too lazy to read subtitles.
Synecdoche, New York (2008): The directorial debut by weird scriptwriter Charles Kaufman (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) is a typically twisty tale of a director who seeks to recreate a miniature New York City inside a giant warehouse.
NEW ON BLU-RAY:
Se7en (1995): The visually innovative debut film from David (Fight Club) Fincher about a serial killer who models his crimes on the seven deadly sins became both a box-office and cult success despite its morbid and depressing nature. The presence of Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman certainly helped.
What are you looking forward to? If you have any weird movie leads that I have overlooked, feel free to leave them in the COMMENTS section.