Django Unchained
Release Date: December 25th
Directed by Quentin Tarantino; Starring Jaime Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Walton Goggins, and Samuel L. Jackson
Has Tarantino ever turned around and made another movie this fast in his whole career? Inglorious Basterds still feels new, and yet here we are on the precipice of what looks like another Tarantino masterpiece. The director certainly seems to have found a comfortable, confident groove as of late, and every frame of Django Unchained we’ve seen so far suggests this is Tarantino working at the top of his craft, telling a story he has plenty of enthusiasm for with a cast that is truly worth celebrating.
I, for one, could not be more excited. Tarantino is one of my very favorite filmmakers, and while what we’ve seen of Django certainly bears his distinctive stamp, it also looks a little unlike anything he’s ever attempted before. His versatility is, of course, one of his best traits, and the quick turnaround time between Basterds and this indicates he has no shortage of creativity.
Early script reviews almost unanimously agreed this could be his best screenplay to date, and I honestly don’t know a single person who disliked the outstanding initial trailer. It seems this is destined to be one of the highlights of 2012, a cinematic Christmas present of the highest order.
The Guilt Trip
Release Date: December 25th
Directed by Anne Fletcher; Starring Seth Rogen, Barbara Streisand, Yvonne Strahovski, and Adam Scott
I do not have dramatically high expectations for this comedy – Anne Fletcher has never directed anything particularly impressive, and I find writer Dan Fogelman’s work a bit hit-and-miss – but I really like the cast, and that will be enough for me to give it a watch.
The film tells the story of an inventor (Rogen) who takes his mother (Streisand) on a trip across America, trying to market his products while reuniting his mother with a long-lost love. Rogen is, of course, a comedic gem, and though I have no great affection for Streisand, she and Rogen could make for an interesting pairing.
I’m more excited to see Chuck star Yvonne Strahovski, who would be Hollywood’s most famous leading lady if there were any sense in the world. The presence of Parks and Recreation star Adam Scott is also always a plus.
Parental Guidance
Release Date: December 25th
Directed by Andy Fickman; Starring Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, and Marisa Tomei
I again see little inherent value in this project, as Fickman is a generally detached commercial director and the story – Crystal must take care of his three granddaughters using his “old-school” style of parenting – sounds rather rote. But I am usually willing to give Crystal a chance, and I like some of the supporting cast as well. Until we see a trailer, though, I have no strong feelings on this one either way, other than that I hope it’s decent.
That concludes our Fall Movie Preview Spectacular! What films are you most excited for? Sound off in the comments!
