Limited Releases Too Late for Oscar
January 25, 2008
An interesting mix of limited releases includes an Oscar hopeful that missed out, a re-release of a Canadian comedy, and a concert film shot in 3-D. However, actual Oscar contenders will likely dominate the art house circuit.
4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days - Reviews
The Air I Breathe - Reviews
Alice's House - Reviews
Lost in Beijing - Reviews
Shoot Down - Reviews
Skid Marks - Reviews
Trailer Park Boys - Reviews
U2 3D - Reviews
This seemed like the perfect week to release this movie. After all, it picked up a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at both the Independent Spirit Awards and the Golden Globes. However, instead of getting a big bounce from the Oscar nods this week, it was passed over. However, the film is still earning 95% positive reviews and should draw in art house crowds. It's chances to expand may have taken a hit. 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days opens tonight at the IFC Center and Lincoln Plaza, both in New York City.
Jieho Lee writes and directs his first theatrical release and managed to assemble a very impressive cast for this anthology drama. Sadly that is the only impressive thing about the movie as the critics have been rather brutal. It is fair to call the movie busted Oscar bait, and with many Oscar nominated films still in theaters, this movie will have a tough time surviving at the box office. The Air I Breathe opens tonight in 7 theaters, mostly in the Los Angeles area.
A Brazilian drama about a family falling apart. This is one of several middling films on this week's list. Its reviews are not terrible, and in fact would compete for the best of the wide releases, but they are not strong enough to compete in the limited release marketplace. Alice's House opens tonight in six theaters, five of which are in the Los Angeles area.
Made in China, and banned in China. In fact, the producers have been banned from making movies for two years because of this film. Sadly, it doesn't appear that the film was worth it. The reviews are not bad, but they are currently just below the overall positive level and well below the level needed to survive the competitive art house circuit. Lost in Beijing opens tonight at the Cinema Village in New York City.
A documentary about the four men who died when their planes were shot down (possibly) over Cuban airspace. The film does a surprisingly good job of being even handed, but it is sure to enflame emotions on both sides. Shoot Down opens tonight in more than 20 theaters, most of which are in Florida.
A re-release of a low-budget, lowbrow comedy about two rival E.M.T. teams. Earlier it opened in the city it was filmed in and now it is opening in several theaters in California.
This Canadian comedy has already been released in its native market making millions at the box office, and in fact is already out on DVD up here. However, it is coming out in theaters for a limited run starting this Friday before coming out on DVD in April. It's a good movie, not as good as the TV series, and not the kind of film that does well with art house crowds.
One of the best-reviewed limited release of the week, it is also one of the widest. That doesn't happen very often. This is also an IMAX film, and not just an IMAX film but an IMAX 3D film, which should help draw in more than a few curious folks. The film presents a concert from U2 filmed in South America during the band's recent Vertigo tour. Fans of the band, or even those just curious about the 3D concert should check it out. U2 3D opened on Wednesday in 60 theaters in major cities nationwide with plans to expand in February.
Filed under: Limited Releases, U2 3D, Trailer Park Boys: The Movie, 4 luni, 3 saptamani si 2 zile, A Casa de Alice, Shoot Down, Ping Guo, Skid Marks, The Air I Breathe