This week's new movie releases - April 24, 2009

This week, we're looking at four wide releases: Joe Wright's "The Soloist" with Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx; Steve Shill's "Obsessed" with Beyoncé Knowles and Ali Larter; "Fighting" with Channing Tatum and Terrence Howard; and Disney's documentary "Earth," which starts Wednesday:

THE SOLOIST

Synopsis: In "The Soloist," an emotionally soaring drama about the redemptive power of music, journalist Steve Lopez discovers Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, a former classical music prodigy, playing his violin on the streets of L.A. As Lopez endeavors to help the homeless man find his way back, a unique friendship is formed, one that transforms both their lives.

First thoughts: I love Joe Wright's "Pride & Prejudice" and I love his "Atonement," and that's just one of the reasons I am looking forward to this drama. Another reason, of course, is the film's cast, led by Downey Jr. and Foxx. Third, the story just sounds intriguing, and the previews I've seen so far really made me want to see a lot more. Let's hope this one won't disappoint.

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OBSESSED

Synopsis: Derek Charles (Idris Elba), a successful asset manager who has just received a huge promotion, is blissfully happy in his career and in his marriage to the beautiful Sharon (Beyonce Knowles). But when Lisa (Ali Larter), a temp worker, starts stalking Derek, all the things he's worked so hard for are placed in jeopardy.

First thoughts: Well, the film's trailer pretty much gives everything away, so I'm not quite sure there's any surprises or suspense left in "Obsessed." Larter certainly lools delicious as the hot temp trying to seduce her colleague, but I'm not sure if that's enough to keep me awake. Let's wait and see...

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FIGHTING

Synopsis: Small-town boy Shawn MacArthur (Channing Tatum) has come to New York City with nothing. Barely earning a living selling counterfeit goods on the streets, his luck changes when scam artist Harvey Boarden (Terrence Howard) sees that he has a natural talent for streetfighting. When Harvey offers Shawn help at making the real cash, the two form an uneasy partnership.

First thoughts: I just hope this is not another "Never Back Down" or something. While the previews for this flick didn't exactly disappoint me, I admit it didn't impress me either. Who knows, maybe we're in for some decent performances or something.

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EARTH

Synopsis: The first film in the Disney nature series, "Earth," narrated by James Earl Jones, tells the remarkable story of three animal families and their amazing journey across the planet we all call home. "Earth" combines rare action, unimaginable scale and impossible locations by capturing the most intimate moments of our planet's wildest and most elusive creatures.

First thoughts: Animals flicks and nature documentaries can be interesting as long as they are not too monotonous or boring. "Earth" looks beautiful, for sure, and I can only hope the narration will be as interesting as the footage. Note: this one already opens Wednesday.

Comments

[George in Riverside, Ca. On the movie Fighting]

The new release Fighting.
Didn't Jean Claude Van Dam already make that movie? I believe it was called "Lionheart"

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