What's Next?

With THE DUKES OF HAZZARD still too close in the rear view mirror and DEUCE BIGALOW: EUROPEAN GIGOLO looming in the headlights, now is a time to look further ahead and realize that the are some good movies coming our way. Actually, there's a surprising number of fun and/or quality pictures still to come, but in my strong opinion these are the 10 to look out for.


1) MUNICH: Steven Spielberg's political thriller isn't about the terrible events that occurred during the Olympics back in 1972. No, that's just his opening act. The movie covers the 30 years spent hunting down and executing the terrorists responsible. This one promises to have it all, a serious Oscar contender that's exciting to watch.

2) HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE

Here's a title that requires no introduction. I would just like to point out that this one is widely considered to be the best book in the series.

3) KING KONG

After LORD OF THE RINGS, Peter Jackson could have released a three hour film about sweeping floors and lines would have wrapped around the cinema. And while initial interest wasn't too high, the trailer indicates that Jackson is working on an epic adventure story.

4) WALLACE & GROMIT: THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT

Two of the most beloved characters in recent pop culture finally make their move to feature length. The film's creators previously stretched their muscles with the equally enjoyable CHICKEN RUN.

5) SERENITY

Still struggling to escape its television origins, I have complete faith that Writer/director Joss Whedon will deliver a large scale, adventure-filled, dramatic, exciting and very funny good time at the movies. (After all, he has created one of the greatest shows in television history and consistently directed some of the finest hours of television ever.) The trailers show that he's made the leap to the big screen with the creativity to match.

6) THE CONSTANT GARDENER

Yeah, it's a terrible title, but after CITY OF GOD I'd watch director Fernando Meirelles direct a film ABOUT Peter Jackson sweeping a floor. Expect a review as soon as I see it.

7) ELIZABETHTOWN

When Cameron Crowe is working his magic the end result is always a special, intimate experience. Forget VANILLA SKY (his wand was broken). Here, Crowe returns to the small, quiet observations that make us laugh and think and feel.

8) THE PRODUCERS

Half of New York can't be wrong. It helped bring back the musical. It just might be Matthew Broderick's finest movie since FERRIS BUELLER and Mel Brooks' best work since...when was the last time HE was funny? It swept the Tony's. Is Oscar next?

9) NORTH COUNTRY
Already being hailed (by me and my friends) as one of the year's best pictures. This is one I've seen, and I cannot recommend it more highly.

10) KISS KISS, BANG BANG

I debated what to put here. Almost went with JARHEAD; almost chose THE CORPSE BRIDE. But I decided to go with my gut and picked this, a formula-buddy-action-comedy that's aware of the cliche's of formula-buddy-action-comedies. The writer is Shane Black who I think is one of the best screenwriters in the business. (Previous work includes LETHAL WEAPON, THE LAST BOY SCOUT and the heavily tampered with THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT which still managed to be Renny Harlin's best film.) The film was generally well-received at Cannes as being trite, but very entertaining with career reviving performances by Robert Downey Jr and Val Kilmer.


DON'T GIVE UP HOPE!