With a new year comes a new silver-screen lineup and this week is full of movies that stretch the boundaries of conventional film-making. A new take on an old fairytale, a comedy with over 25 household-name celebrities and a zombie romance make this week’s movie going experience a time of novelty.
1. Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (Jan. 25)
Movie Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9246msCh7x4
In this fantasy-horror spin on the original fairy tale, “Avengers’” Jeremy Renner and “Prince of Persia’s” Gemma Arterton team up as a brother/sister duo against a dark force more evil than the witches they hunt. There have been mixed reviews about this movie, some saying it is bound to fail and others claiming it will be pure entertainment. However, I agree with the latter. “Hansel and Gretel” is a fantasy fan’s dream: Action, suspense, great special effects, dark humor and a storyline that pulls it all together. You might be wary about seeing this movie because of previous films like “Red Riding Hood” and “The Brothers Grimm,” but this movie might actually be the perfect fairytale re-vamp we’ve been waiting for. I’ll be honest, this movie has the potential to be pretty terrible, but I’ll at least enjoy seeing Hawkeye use a more efficient weapon this time around.
2. Movie 43 (Jan. 25)
Movie Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VneW1vtcWY
After seeing the trailer for “Movie 43” over ten times, I’m still not really sure what it’s about, but I can tell you that it will be hilarious. This film’s all-star cast combines big name celebs you might not consider for a comedic role including Dennis Quaid, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Kate Winslet, Uma Thurman, and some you might expect like Anna Faris, Seth MacFarlane, Emma Stone, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. The movie is divided into a series of sketches of familiar social settings that follow three teenagers on a journey to find the world’s most banned movie. “Movie 43’s” outlandish and aggressive style give it the common title of “Not Your Typical Comedy,” while approaching the deeper question of what is considered “good” or “bad?” Though “Movie 43’s” execution is uncommon anywhere but indie film festivals, it looks like this film will be just as outrageous as popular comedies like “The Hangover” and “Ted.” Also, Gerard Butler plays an elf! Now, you have to go see it!
3. Warm Bodies (Feb. 1)
Movie Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07s-cNFffDM
Never before have we had a story told from the zombie’s point of view and “Warm Bodies’” new take on this pop-culture phenomenon will bring a new dimension to the zombie fad. I don’t know what it is about our generation’s obsession with romantic dead guys, but this time I think I like it. This film’s blend of comedy, horror, and romance is sure to captivate both guys and gals. Forget that sappy chick-flick this Valentine’s Day and go see “Warm Bodies.” Guys will love it for the hilarious inner-monologue and the girls will love the unconventional love story. Yes, the theme of the story is pretty cheesy “love can truly bring you to life, blah, blah, blah,” but get over it. This movie is going to be a cinematic treat and you know it.
