The 13th annual Butt Numb-A-Thon movie marathon (BNAT13WOLF) hosted a number of early screenings of upcoming movies. Of course, we’d already seen most of them at press screenings. Release dates mean nothing in our world. But there were two major advanced showings, so early that we’re not allowed to write full reviews. They’re worth mentioning in recap form though, which is allowed, so here is the rundown of BNAT premieres.
HUGO – This was the exception. The programmer wanted to start with Scorsese’s ode to cinema even though it was out in regular release.
TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY – A second viewing gets me no closer to following along the plot. Something about British guys wearing suits. But it’s so well done you can really watch the individual scenes even if it’s too complicated.
SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS – Opening Friday, see our review now.
THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN – I really wanted to like Spielberg’s sprawling adventure. I really did. Like, twice now I’ve tried to like it.
THE CABIN IN THE WOODS – This screening was so secret we’re not even allowed to tweet about it, though we were allowed to mention it in a roundup like this. Joss Whedon fans, rest assured this is the intelligent genre-bending movie you imagine it could be. I don’t know where Whedon keeps finding these lovely actor girls we’re never seen before, but they even give us some gratuitous boobies! (In the most respectful, female empowering way.) You’ll definitely hear Whedon all over the dialogue and it’s the loving approach towards genre that keeps it fresh. I won’t spoil anything.
GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE – I love what this film is not. It is not like any comic book or any studio blockbuster. I can’t promise you’ll like it, but whatever you’re expecting from a Neveldine/Taylor Ghost Rider movie, you’re correct. It only really Cranks out a few times, so maybe it’s not as extreme as you’re expecting. Nicolas Cage really brings it though and they give him an oddly mellow performance vehicle in which to tweak and freak out. He practically sings his lines in one scene. You definitely see Cage in the Ghost Rider scenes. Nobody else poses like he does. Nicolas Cage losing his sh** is exactly what I want to see at 6AM after an all-nighter, so I hope everyone can experience this the same way.
THE GREY – Coming this January, Liam Neeson vs. wolves. Enough said.
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL – A shuttle to the local Imax theater for the large format version of my favorite pure action film of the year.
