Top Ten for DEC/JAN/FEB
10) Megamind (Tom McGrath) – Released: 03/12/10
Who’s in it?
Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Tina Fey
What’s it about?
After super-villain Megamind (Ferrell) kills his good-guy nemesis, Metro Man (Pitt), he becomes bored since there is no one left to fight. He creates a new foe, Titan (Hill), who, instead of using his powers for good, sets out to destroy the world, positioning Megamind to save the day for the first time in his life.
Why should you see it?
Megamind just manages to creep into the top ten this quarter. Dreamworks always provide an interesting take on archetypal narratives and this story of villain versus hero should prove no different. It probably won’t be on par with the Shrek or Madagascar films but it will be visually stunning and will no doubt be full of hilarious adult references as well as slap-stick humour.
9) The Tourist (Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck) – Released: 10/12/10
Who’s in it?
Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Timothy Dalton
What’s it about?
Revolves around Frank (Depp); an American tourist visiting Italy to mend a broken heart. Elise (Jolie) is an extraordinary woman who deliberately crosses his path. Murder and a mistaken identity later and you have a seemingly predictable thriller that is elevated from obscurity by an A-List cast.
Why should you see it?
Slips into the top ten because I happen to be quite an admirer of Jolie’s work, despite her public persona and because I am intrigued to see if there is any on screen chemistry between what appears to be an unlikely coupling with Depp. Is worth checking out too as Depp is finally starting to age, proving he is human after all.
8) True Grit (Coen Brothers) – Released: 14/01/11
Who’s in it?
Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Jeff Bridges
What’s it about?
A tough U.S. Marshal (Bridges) helps a stubborn young woman track down her father's murderer. Joined by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Damon) the unlikely trio find danger and surprises on the journey, and each has his or her "grit" tested.
Why should you see it?
Returning to their routes, the Coen Brothers (Burn After Reading, No Country for Old Men) will be looking to add another Oscar to the trophy cabinet and fully expect True Grit to be nominated at the very least for Best Picture. Released in what was once the dumping ground known for rubbish pictures known as the month of January, True Grit is positioned for awards season and it will likely take home a fair few. It won’t be to everyone’s tastes but will be one of 2011’s "must-see’s".
7) Little Fockers (Paul Weitz) – Released: 22/12/10
Who’s in it?
Ben Stiller, Robert DeNiro, Owen Wilson, Jessica Alba
What’s it about?
When Greg (Stiller) and Pam's entire clan-including Pam's lovelorn ex, Kevin (Wilson)-descends for the twins' birthday party, Greg must prove to the skeptical Jack (DeNiro) that he's fully capable as the man of the house. Will Greg pass Jack's final test and become the family's next patriarch...or will the circle of trust be broken for good?
Why should you see it?
As far as comedies of the last ten years go Meet the Parents is right up there as one of the best. Meet the Fockers raised the bar again and this year Little Fockers looks set to do the same. The trailer looks great, the whole cast are back (plus the addition of Jessica Alba) and the ball pit scene looks set to be a classic.
6) Monsters (Gareth Edwards) – Released: 03/12/10
Who’s in it?
Scoot McNairy, Whitney Able, Kevon Kane
What’s it about?
Six years after Earth has suffered an alien invasion a cynical journalist agrees to escort a shaken American tourist through an infected zone in Mexico to the safety of the US border.
Why should you see it?
Monsters is the wild card. Made with a crew of only two people and shot entirely on location with consumer level kit, this film is a world apart in terms of budget and production size compared to the rest of the top ten. My ultimate reaction to the film could go either way. However, early rumblings suggest Gareth Edwards has crafted a wonderful sci-fi movie. Comparisons to Cloverfield and District 9 have been made though Monsters focuses more on the people than the creatures. If you’re looking for a mass alien invasion and an overload of action this may not be for you but if thought provoking, clever filmmaking is your cup of tea hopefully Monsters will live up to its billing.
The top 5, featuring a Jodie Foster directed film about a semi-aquatic rodent and an 80's classic with a make-over, will be revealed soon.
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