January 21st

No Strings Attached

Who did it? Directed by Ivan Reitman; written by Elizabeth Meriwether; starring Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Kevin Kline, Olivia Thirlby, Greta Gerwig, Mindy Kaling, Cary Freaking Elwes

What is it? Can two people maintain a purely physical relationship without letting love ruin a good thing? Hollywood wants you to believe the answer is no, but we all know Hollywood lies.

Why should we care? One half of this sexy and playful couple is portrayed by Portman, who, as we all know, is an actress that I would happily watch shower for hours on end. That’s probably a poor example… so let’s change it to her being someone I’d watch sleep. Well that just seems creepier, so let’s move on to the problem. Her opposite in this rom-com is Kutcher… a man I can barely stand to watch do anything. The plot doesn’t really help either as the story beats seem fairly obvious from beginning to end. And finally, there’s the director. Reitman has a well earned spot in the comedy hall of fame, but his last several films are quickly making an argument against that inclusion. My Super Ex-Girlfriend, Evolution, Six Days Seven Nights, Father’s Day… -RH

Watch the trailer:

The Way Back

Who did it? Directed by Peter Weir; Written by Peter Weir and Keith R. Clarke; Starring Colin Farrell, Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Mark Strong, Dejan Angelov, Dragos Bucur, and Saoirse Ronan

What is it? A group of men escape the brutish gulag in Russia and head over 4,000 miles of terrible terrain to reach freedom in India.

Why should we care? The subject matter is compelling in that way that tenses you up just thinking about it. It promises to be fertile dramatic ground for an insanely talented director working with a strong cast. It’s unclear why it was left out in the cold beyond awards season, but all the ingredients are there for a poignant, frost-bitten flick. -CA

Watch the trailer:

January 28th

The Mechanic

Who did it? Directed by Simon West; written by Lewis John Carlino and Richard Wenk; starring Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Tony Goldwyn, Donald Freaking Sutherland

What is it? A hitman takes on an apprentice but soon finds allegiances and loyalties tested when he crosses the wrong man. But seriously, you have to expect some job stress when you work as an assassin.

Why should we care? This remake of the Charles Bronson classic (yes, classic) that co-starred Jan-Michael Vincent looks to up the level of action while hopefully maintaining the twisting, double-cross filled plot. West is far from a subtle or solid director and he’s coming off a string of forgettable films, but the man knew how to direct a fun action romp once upon a time. Can he recapture that Con Air magic once again? We’ll find out soon enough. -RH

Watch the trailer:

The Rite

Who did it? Directed by Mikael Hafstrom; Written by Michael Petroni; Starring Anthony Hopkins, Alice Braga, Rutger Hauer, and newcomer Colin O’Donoghue

What is it? We’ll need an old priest and a young priest…

Why should we care? The exorcism slant is about as fresh as re-heated projectile vomit at this point, and it’s tough to see something as straight forward as this break free from the cliches. However, Hafstrom directed the underloved 1408, and this film comes with the promise of 1) crazy Sir Anthony Hopkins as a manic priest and 2) Rutger Hauer in a rare appearance without a shotgun. -CA

Watch the trailer:

Biutiful

Who did it? Directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu; written by Armando Bo and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu; starring Javier Bardem

What is it? A man is diagnosed with terminal cancer and spends his remaining days trying to put his life in order. Oh, and he talks to the dead.

Why should we care? Innarritu’s past films like Babel and 21 Grams explored our world through multiple characters and story threads, but here he decides to focus on one man (for the most part). The death sentence sets him on a journey to resolve his life’s issues, but he’s tasked with helping others along the way in their search for closure with loved ones they’ve lost. Bardem is a fascinating actor and brings any character to life, and his performance as a dying man should be no different. Oxymoronic perhaps, but no different. Several critics have placed this on their ‘Best Films of 2010′ lists which should make it one to watch in early 2011. -RH

Watch the trailer:

What are you watching in January?