No, none of these are really thinking outside-the-box or particularly paradigm-shifting, but they all seem thoroughly entertaining and completely wonderfully escapist. I used to fixate on new films via reading Entertainment Weekly cover-to-cover, but now must rely on even more mainstream television and public spaces advertising to learn about moderately promising feature films.
Regardless of the method introduced, each of these films has made a great first impression in my exhausted mind, and I hope to dabble in at least one during a cost-conscious Saturday matinee. Movies are horrifically overpriced, but I am weak and diversion-seeking. So, sue me.
1) WHIP IT: Is Ellen Page overrated? Quite possibly. Drew Barrymore? Sure. But ANY film A) made in Michigan recently, B) spotlighting roller derby, and C) allowing the Maid of Honor in my very own wedding to encounter this film’s stars at the local Whole Foods MUST be doing something right. It’s such a theoretically adorable film, and I really don’t mind if it turns out to be a complete dud. Realistic expectations at work.
2) THE INFORMANT!: Love the based-on-a-true-story premise, as well as pretty much everything Matt Damon touches. This movie has the lovely underdog-beats-Goliath premise of Erin Brockovich, but a more silly, angsty, sarcastic approach. I like that. No, I love that. A selfless protagonist in a ridiculous situation … plus food-business conspiracy … topped off with Joel McHale. Yes, I like these apples … never gets old.
3) THE INVENTION OF LYING: This is the movie that will make me wish I was smarter, more funny, and generally more creative. I’m up for the challenge of feeling worse about myself, so long as I’m laughing the whole time. I love that the plot is simple enough in the media at this point that I have no idea what the real plot will actually turn out to be. I’m sure it will be fantastic, unless it turns out to be one of those made-it-look-funny-but-it’s-actually-about-somebody-dying… enough of those already.
4) FAME: have I mentioned that I used to teach high schoolers? I DID. OMG - IT WAS INTENSE. Let’s just say that this film’s trailers have the deep musical vigor of DreamGirls, mixed with the optimistic coming-of-age perspective of Mr. Holland’s Opus, plus the quality-SHAKIN’-IT of Bravo’s one-time-only series Step It Up and Dance. I’m easy to please, and I’m sure this film was NOT easy to make. I’m probably going to want to start piano lessons again after seeing experiencing Fame, at the very least.
VIVE LE CINEMA!
