This week's new releases - Jan. 9, 2009
Franck TabouringWelcome to the first week of wide releases in 2009. Here's a brief look at what's on the menu this Friday: "Bride Wars," "Not Easily Broken" and "The Unborn." "Gran Torino," "Last Chance Harvey" and "The Reader" are expanding. Let's get started:
"Bride Wars"
Synopsis: Liv and Emma are best friends who since childhood have planned every detail of their respective weddings. At the top of their bridal "must have" list: a ceremony at New York's ultimate bridal destination, the Plaza Hotel. Now, at age 26, they're both about to get married; they're about to realize their dreams; and they're about to live happily ever after. Or maybe not. When a clerical error causes a clash in wedding dates--they're now to be married on the same date! Liv, Emma and their lifelong friendship are put to the ultimate test.
First thoughts: This one could have been funny, but they slapped it with a PG rating, so it's pretty much going to suck. Nope, no hardcore battle between these two broads. Too bad.
"The Unborn"
Synopsis: Casey Beldon hated her mother for abandoning her as a child. But when inexplicable events begin to happen, Casey begins to understand why she left. Plagued by merciless dreams and a tortured ghost that haunts her waking hours, she must turn to the only person, Rabbi Sendak, who can make it stop. With the help of Sendak, her best friend Romy and boyfriend Mark, Casey uncovers the source of a family curse dating back to Nazi Germany--a creature with the ability to inhabit anyone or anything that is getting stronger with each possession.
First thoughts: The story sounds laughable, and the trailer looks laughable. I bet I'll pretty much hate this one. Sounds like this is something we've seen too many times already. But Odette Yustman looks good.
"Not Easily Broken"
Synopsis: Dave and Clarice Johnson are in their second decade of marriage. Dave's dreams of major league baseball success were dashed by an injury in college, leading him to a steady but unfulfilling career as the head of a small construction firm. Clarice is basking in the glow of real estate stardom, creating a life that revolves around her rise to the top. She has become blind to Dave's needs, the most important being his desire to become a father and start a family with her. They face a total disruption in their lives when a car crash seriously injures Clarice, whose meddling mother, Mary, blames Dave for her daughter's leg injuries and derailed career.
First thoughts: The trailer didn't entirely win me over, but I heard it's based on a good novel, so who knows? Maybe this will actually be the best new release this week? Doesn't sound like the best selection to kick off the new year. Oh well, we're used to it, right?
Reader Comments (1)
I hear Not Easily Broken is a male take on Waiting to Exhale. Sounds pretty interesting to me.