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Machete: Robert Rodriguez returns with the full length version of the fake trailer he made for his and Quentin Tarantino 2007 schlock movie tribute collaboration Grindhouse. The film follows Danny Trejo as a "day laborer' who was hired to an assassinate a high profile anti-emigration Senator, only to be betrayed by his employers who come to regret their duplicity once they realize the patsy they hired is actual an ex-Federale and coincidently an unstoppable killing machine. Machete features Robert DeNiro as a racist Senator, Lindsay Lohan as a murderous Nun and Michelle Rodriguez as Michelle Rodriguez. Expect some truly impressive bloodletting and gut spilling. While I'm disappointed that we'll not be seeing Rodriguez's version of Barbarella or Red Sonia anytime soon, I'm excited to see the Desperado director return to his ultra violent, black coats and big guns roots. Plus, watching exploitation filmmakers grapple with the issues of the day is a lot more fun than seeing some dew eyed, insufferably self righteous take on social upheaval. Put another way, Night of the Living Dead> Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. Also starring Jessica Alba, Jeff Fahey, and Cheech Marin.
Fun Fact: Thanksgiving, a Grindhouse fake trailer directed by Hostel helmer Eli Roth is currently in production. Check out the NSFW trailer here and pray that Werewolf Women of the SS also gets the green light.
The American: [Note: this film opens on September 1st] Anton Corbijn's (Control) second film follows an assassin (George Clooney) as he kills time in an Italian villa to while waiting to complete his last contract. As with all films in the "lone man" sub-genre, complications ensue; both romantic (in the form of gorgeous Violante Placido) and existential (Clooney's character forms a friendship with a local priest who urges him to repent). Expect achingly beautiful imagery and compelling performances from all involved. The only reservations I have about this film lie with Corbjin's relative inexperience with feature filmmaking but even if the film isn't the most satisfying narrative, his music video work promises a worthwhile theatrical event. Also starring Irina Bjorklund, Johan Leysen, and Paolo Bonacelli.
Fun Fact: The film has what is maybe the best movie poster of the year. Check it here. And how awesome in that logo? A man, in silhouette, falling backwards, gun in hand. That's some excellent noir iconography.
Going the Distance: The latest Drew Barrymore romantic comedy, this time focusing on a young couple whose relationship is thrown into doubt when Barrymore's character moves across the country from her new boyfriend (Justin Long). On paper, there's absolutely nothing appealing about this film but it does possess a winning cast (including Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis) and you know, it could be funny in spite of its awful trailer right? (500) Days of Summer proved that quality American rom-com's aren't dead and Distance director Nanette Burstein hasn't made a bad (or non-documentary) film yet so this has a chance of being good. And the early reviews of the film...oh god it's only got a 20% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It's time to get real, this is going to be awful and no amount of wishing is going to change that fact. Also starring Christina Applegate as a stereotypical shrewish sister, Jim Gaffigan as a stereotype of a loutish husband and Ron Livingston as an actor who never quite achieved the level of success that his talents deserved.
Fun Fact: The film features a cameo by British band The Boxer Rebellion, whose lead singer, at some point in the not too distant future, will give an interview where he'll admit that while the film brought the band greater exposure in the North American market, it was a bad film that band ultimately regrets being associated with it. Just wait and see.
If you're not down with all the metal machine music listed above, you'll want to check out the latest from Cedar Lee Theater. This week they'll be debuting Suck and The Extra Man. Suck is a wild eyed Canadian rock and roll and vampires comedy that features appearances from Iggy Pop and Alice Cooper as well as Canadian comedy legend Dave Foley. Oh and Malcolm MacDowell as a vampire hunter who is afraid of the dark. The Extra Man is an urbane comedy from the fine folks behind the film version of American Splendor. It tells the story of Paul Dano's struggling writer as he forms a strange bond with his eccentric landlord, a cross dressing male escort played by Kevin Kline. It's a very funny, if slight film. And on the 4th, Cedar Lee will be hosting a midnight showing of the must see cult classic, Troll 2. It's only $6 and is sure to be a ton of fun.
Mario blogs regularly at A Polemic Killer Room.
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