This week, we're looking at five wide releases: Neill Blomkamp's sci-fi spectacle "District 9," "Bandslam" with Vanessa Hudgens, "The Time Traveler's Wife" with Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams, "The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard" with Jeremy Piven, and Hayao Miyazaki's "Ponyo":
DISTRICT 9
Synopsis: Thirty years ago, aliens made first contact with Earth. Humans waited for the hostile attack, or the giant advances in technology. Neither came. Instead, the aliens were refugees, the last survivors of their home world.The creatures were set up in a makeshift home in South Africa's District 9 as the world's nations argued over what to do with them. Now, patience over the alien situation has run out.
First thoughts: The only thing I can say about this one is that it's the film I'm looking forward to most this month. The story sounds intriguing and the trailer looks marvelous, and judging by first impressions, this one's going to deliver!
***
THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE
Synopsis: Clare has been in love with Henry her entire life. She believes they are destined to be together, even though she never knows when they will be separated: Henry is a time traveler--cursed with a rare genetic anomaly that causes him to live his life on a shifting timeline, skipping back and forth through his lifespan with no control.
First thoughts: I never read the book the film is based on, but I heard it's good. Still, the trailer hasn't shown us much except a lot of cuddling between the lead characters. Let's hope there's at least a bit of logic in this romance.
***
BANDSLAM
Synopsis: When gifted singer-songwriter Charlotte Banks asks new kid in town Will Burton to manage her fledgling rock band, she appears to have just one goal in mind: go head-to-head against her egotistical musician ex-boyfriend, Ben, at the biggest event of the year, a battle of the bands. Against all odds, their band develops a sound all its own with a real shot at success in the contest.
First thoughts: No comment.
***
THE GOODS: LIVE HARD, SELL HARD
Synopsis: Who is Don Ready? Salesman? Lover? Song Stylist? Semi-professional dolphin trainer? Ready is all of the above -- except for a dolphin trainer. When he's asked to help save an ailing local car dealership from bankruptcy, Ready and his ragtag crew descend on the town of Temecula like a pack of coyotes on a basket full of burgers. Selling, drinking, selling and going to strip clubs is their stock and trade.
First thoughts: This one looks like something that could be very amusing. The cast is great, the story sounds silly but entertaining, and I can only hope the jokes will fly. I'm quite excited to find out what it takes to get the goods.
***
PONYO
Synopsis: The film centers on a 5-year-old boy named Sosuke and his relationship with a goldfish princess named Ponyo who longs to become human.
First thoughts: It's been an international hit already, and the previews look gorgeous. I'm not the biggest fan of this genre of animation, but I will definitely give this one a shot.