DOLPHIN TALE 2
The Good: Dolphins are fun.
The Bad: Humor = people falling and fecal matter. Harry Connick Jr. is your lead.
Prediction: .
Dolphins are as cute on TV or in person versus a 1.5 hr snoozefest.
NO GOOD DEED
The Good: Idris Elba will be scary. Great cast.
The Bad: Worn premise. Worse message about not helping people.
Prediction: .
The cast saves a crappy script and story.
THE DROP
The Good: James Gandolfini’s last film. Tom Hardy.
The Bad: Minimal story, actor’s death used to prop up something forgettable.
Prediction: .
Gandolfini and especially Hardy will rivet on screen, but nothing else will.
THE SKELETON TWINS
The Good: Putting SNL All-Stars Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader on screen together. Buzz is very strong.
The Bad: Potentially anyone else on screen except the leads.
Prediction: .
Dramatic turns for Wiig and Hader elevate their casting potential and Skeleton Twins into a dark horse Oscar contender.
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY
The Good: Terrific premise (a breakup from both perspectives), strong leads.
The Bad: First time director, editing two films into one.
Prediction: .
The premise shines a light about viewpoints in a relationship, and Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy act the hell out of a strong story.
THE MAZE RUNNER
The Good: Spin on the dystopic young adult genre, strong air of mystery
The Bad: No “names” in cast, reeks of zeitgeisty, first time director
Prediction: .
I see all flags and no anchors. Tread lightly.
THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU
The Good: Strong source material with a strong, funny ensemble.
The Bad: Kids movie director, reliance on pratfall humor.
Prediction: .
Promising turns for Jason Bateman and hopefully Corey Stoll (in a comedy), but should just be harmless entertainment.
A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES
The Good: Strong source material and butt-kicking Liam Neeson
The Bad: Neeson’s new ass-kicking persona probably has more influence than it should.
Prediction: .
Expect more morose Neeson who kicks only a little butt. Solid but forgettable.
HECTOR AND THE SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS
The Good: Simon Pegg is funny.
The Bad: There are 20 producers on this film. Most good ones won’t have more than 3. “A well-to-do person finding themselves by slumming it.” Terrible buzz.
Prediction: .
Simon Pegg in material he didn’t write himself but 20 producers saying he should say? Hard pass.
TRACKS
The Good: Young rising stars Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver
The Bad: The premise is hella stupid: “How should I grow as a person? I know, I’ll trek across the desert.”
Prediction: .
Director mistakes boredom for stillness and minimalist with compelling. Driver and Wasikowska will be terrific.
THE EQUALIZER
The Good: Denzel Washington in Man on Fire Mode, directed by his Training Day Director. Chloe Graze Moretz is involved.
The Bad: This feels like its gonna be a Training Day victory lap.
Prediction: .
If it goes Neeson-style revengy, it will be a solid film.
THE BOXTROLLS
The Good: Charming animation with good track record.
The Bad: Advertising overload. Middling buzz.
Prediction: .
I want this movie to be good, but early signs make me sad.
PRIDE
The Good: Two feel-good stories merged into one. British wit and charm.
The Bad: Budget keeps the story minimal.
Prediction: .
Solid indie involving issues of the moment: workers’ rights and homosexuality.
JIMI: ALL IS BY MY SIDE
The Good: Andre Benjamin/Jimi Hendrix comparisons. Strong behind-the-scenes team.
The Bad: Unproven lead. Only part of Jimi Hendrix’s life.
Prediction: .
Andre Benjamin becomes an acting star and rivals Chadwick Boseman for the influential African-American musician award.
MUST SEE: The Skeleton Twins. It is probably the safest bet.
MUST SKIP: Hector and the Search for Happiness. More producers does not equal more success.
MOST INTRIGUING: The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby. Hopefully the editing works brilliantly.