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Oct 23, 2009

TGITDNMAR (10/23/09)

It's that time again for TGITDNMAR, which (obviously) stands for Thank God It's The Day New Movies Are Released.

Ugh - terrible slate of new releases. You know what that means...time to catch up on artier fare. A Serious Man and/or New York, I Love You ought to be in my near-future.

Saw VI
I assume this series is just going to continue until the number of people interested eclipses the number in the film's title. I am not one of those people; I saw the first, and it was a good concept - it felt fresh. Then they decided to turn it into a series where the bad guy never dies, until he does die and then apparently keeps popping up again and again. Please explain the appeal of watching new and interesting ways for people to be mutilated and killed to me.
Fletch's Chance of Viewing (in the theater): 0%

Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
This feels like "good concept, bad execution." Sure, we've all seen loads of vampire movies, but I can't think of too many flicks about a traveling freak show; there seems to be ample opportunity to showcase some interesting characters and coolio effects, but something about this just doesn't feel right, from John C. Reilly as a lead to the boring kid following him around. Plus I read that there's spiders in this, and I'm a real baby about that.
Fletch's Chance of Viewing: 39%

Amelia
Two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank. Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor. Serious film director Mira Nair. Epic period piece. This thing has Oscar Contender written all over it, right? Then why is it being released now, and with little to no hype surrounding it?

Survey says...it must not be very good. Not that I'm all that psyched to find out. How 'bout you go and tell me if you liked it, instead.
Fletch's Chance of Viewing: 4%

Astro Boy
First of all - no, I'm not familiar with the origins of Astro Boy. Remember, I did a post on upcoming Nic Cage flicks some time back and had to be told by someone else that this was even a TV show some 50 years ago. Sorry if it slipped by my pop culture radar...in 1959.

I've read a couple plot synopses for Astro lately. The thing that sticks out to me? It's about a boyish-looking robot created by a scientist that's been alternately described as either "brilliant" or "genius." Need I telll you who's voicing said scientist? Well, wouldn't you know it! It's Nicogoddamnlas Cage!

Anyway, this won't be seen by me.
Fletch's Chance of Viewing: 2%


3 people have chosen wisely: on "TGITDNMAR (10/23/09)"

Nick said...

I do like the inventiveness of the Saw traps... but my love for the series is with its brilliant continuity and character development throughout the films. No other horror series has done with this one has with its story line.

Not to mention Saw VI did something very few horror films that get this far in the number scale do: be good. Seriously. Somehow, this sixth installment totally overshadowed (at least) the previous two films of the series. But anywho, I'm not saying this to convert you. You just asked why people watch it. Most people I know of that watch it do so for the continuity and plot, not the torture/death. Believe it or not, these movies aren't all about blood and guts :P .

Fletch said...

Nick - I appreciate the explanation. Fellow commenter Nic Cage is a lover of the series and has raved about its continuity and complex plot line, but I...I just can't get into it.

Paul - Would Astro Boy use said cannon against its creator? If the answer to that is yes, then so is mine.

Save Ferris said...

I love splatterfests and even had a subscription to Fangoria as a teen, but my chances of seeing Sax VI in theaters is the same as Fletch's for one major reason: I've got a 8-yr old daughter and it is in no way appropriate to take her with me. And I can't justify leaving her with a babysitter while I get my scare on at the movies.