Summer Movie Preview - AUGUST - 'The Other Guys,' 'Eat Pray Love,' 'The Expendables'

Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell in "The Other Guys." PHOTO: Columbia Pictures

AUGUST is typically the month where studios tend to dump movies they don’t know what to do with– meaning that aside from a couple of big-budget studio films that are released during the month’s first two weekends, most of the movies here are either hard-to-market, long-delayed movies or suck-fests.

Despite this tradition, last August brought us not one, but two future Best Picture nominees – Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” and Neill Blomkampp’s “District 9” so who knows, maybe “Piranha 3D” will find itself among next February’s Best Picture Oscars nominees.

This August will see Julia Roberts returning to the season that made her the biggest star on the planet in “Eat, Pray, Love.” It will also feature Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg as a pair of squabbling inept cops in “The Other Guys,” action icons Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham and Jet Li as a group of cold-blood mercenaries in “The Expendables,” Michael Cera as comic-book icon Scott Pilgrim in “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” and those pesky teen-chomping Piranhas.

"THE OTHER GUYS
PHOTOS: Columbia Pictures

THE OTHER GUYS (August 6)
Directed by: Adam McKay
Starring: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne Johnson
Rated: PG-13 (Not Yet Classified)

Based On: original screenplay by Adam McKay and Chris Henchy
Box Office Prediction: $35 million opening; $130 million final

PLOT: Set in New York City, "The Other Guys" follows Detective Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell), a forensic accountant who's more interested in paperwork than hitting the streets, and Detective Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg), who has been stuck with Allen as his partner ever since an embarrassing public incident with his quick trigger finger. Allen and Terry idolize the city's top cops, Danson and Manzetti (Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson), but when an opportunity arises for the Other Guys to step up, things don't quite go as planned.

MY TAKE: Originally titled “The B Team,” “The Other Guys” will be the fourth collaboration between Will Ferrell and writer/director Adam McKay who also directed the star in “Anchorman,” “Talladega Nights” and “Step Brothers” – arguably the funnyman’s best films. Joining Ferrell as his partner is Marky Mark himself, who after hilarious supporting turns in “I Heart Huckabees” and “Date Night” (and arguably “The Departed” ), finally gets to shed his tough guy image and showcase his comedy chops in a lead role. Filling out the star-studded roster are superstars Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne Johnson as a pair of maverick A-level cops (and the envy of Wahlberg and Ferrell’s characters), Eva Mendes as Ferrell’s wife (you read that right - Wahlberg can’t believe it either!), Michael Keaton as the division supervisor and comedian Steve Coogan as the film’s villain. Based on the trailers alone, “The Other Guys” looks like a step above “Step Brothers” (see what I did there?), indefensibly the director/star’s weakest outing to date. Seeing how the comedy field will mostly be barren during August, “The Other Guys” should have no problem cornering the comedy market until the end of the month, provided it doesn’t suck!

 "THE OTHER GUYS" MOVIE REVIEW

THE EXPENDABLES

THE EXPENDABLES (August 13)
Directed by: Sylvester Stallone
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Eric Roberts, Mickey Rourke
Rated: R (Not Yet Classified)

Based On: an original idea by Sylvester Stallone
Box Office Prediction: $20 million opening; $65 million final

PLOT: "The Expendables" is a hard-hitting action/thriller about a group of mercenaries hired to infiltrate a South American country and overthrow its ruthless dictator. Once the mission begins, the men realize things aren’t quite as they appear, finding themselves caught in a dangerous web of deceit and betrayal. With their mission thwarted and an innocent life in danger, the men struggle with an even tougher challenge – one that threatens to destroy this band of brothers.

MY TAKE: The great action heroes of the 80s and 90s make a nostalgic trip back to the silver screen in Sylvester Stallone’s “The Expendables,” an action-packed throwback to the movies of the bygone era when action heroes, not superheroes dominated the box office. With a cast that includes Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, former UFC champ Randy Couture, former NFL star Terry Crews, Eric Roberts and former WWE wrestler Steve Austin, “The Expendables” definitely ranks high among the most macho movies of all time. As if those guys weren’t enough, both Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger make cameos in a pivotal scene with Stallone (where they probably discuss the embarrassment that is “Planet Hollywood”). Just about the only major action guys missing are Jean Claude Van Damme, Wesley Snipes and Steven Seagal, all who were approached for roles. Van Damme was offered a major role but turned it down claiming his character had no substance (I swear I’m not kidding!) while Seagal denied a cameo because of bad blood with a producer on the project. Snipes on the other hand, would have played the Terry Crews role but had to decline because of his tax problems which didn’t allow him to leave the U.S. Still, with a cast like this, you know you’re going to be in for one kick-ass ride!

 "THE EXPENDABLES" MOVIE REVIEW

EAT LOVE PRAY

EAT PRAY LOVE (August 13)
Directed by: Ryan Murphy
Starring: Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem, James Franco, Billy Crudup
Rated: PG-13 (Not Yet Classified)

Based On: Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling novel
Box Office Prediction: $28 million opening; $90 million final

PLOT: The project is based on Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir "Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia," published by Viking in February of 2006. The story focuses on a married woman who seemingly has it all but realizes that she's not living the life she wants. She divorces her husband and sets off on a journey around the world.

MY TAKE: It’s been a decade since Julia Roberts’ last summer movie (“America’s Sweethearts”) so “Eat Pray Love” (written and directed by “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy) will be a test of how much of a box office titan she still is. Obviously, fans of the book (and Oprah’s Book Club) will be the primary audience here but based on the preview, it looks like Roberts will have no problem drawing in a much stronger the crowds, especially the oft-neglected over-35 female demo. The fact that she’s surrounded by a strong supporting cast of Oscar winners and nominees including Javier Bardem, Richard Jenkins, Viola Davis, James Franco and Billy Crudup makes me think that perhaps this film may have the potential to be little more than just a plain old romance.

 "EAT PRAY LOVE" MOVIE REVIEW

SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD

SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD (August 13)
Directed by: Edgar Wright
Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Chris Evans, Jason Schwartzman
Rated: PG-13 (for stylized violence, sexual content, language and drug references)

Based On: the comic book series “Scott Pilgrim” by Brian Lee O’Malley
Box Office Prediction: $15 million opening; $50 million final

PLOT: Scott Pilgrim has never had a problem getting a girlfriend. It's getting rid of them that proves difficult. From the girl who kicked his heart's ass--and now is back in town--to the teenage distraction he's trying to shake when Ramona rollerblades into his world, love hasn't been easy. He soon discovers, however, his new crush has the most unusual baggage of all: a nefarious league of exes controls her love life and will do whatever it takes to eliminate him as a suitor.

As Scott gets closer to Ramona, he must face an increasingly vicious rogues' gallery from her past--from infamous skateboarders to vegan rock stars and fearsomely identical twins. And if he hopes to win his true love, he must vanquish them all before it really is game over.

MY TAKE: “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” has been the source of intense comic book fanboy salivation ever since its inception last year. An insane video game-like trailer that mashed hipster romance with Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter only fueled the buzz. And it’s not because of star Michael Cera (who plays the same awkward hipster in all his movies) but writer/director Edgar Wright – who after writing and directing the acclaimed modern comedy classics “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz,” has already become one of the most sought-after filmmakers in the business. Based on the cult-comic book series of the same name, “Pilgrim” features an unbelievably talented cast of young actors including Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Chris Evans (“Fantastic Four”), Brandon Routh (“Superman Returns”), Jason Schwartzman (“Rushmore”) and newly-minted Oscar nominee Anna Kendrick (“Up in the Air”). Whether it has the potential to break outside the realms of its comic book fanbase remains to be seen.

"SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD" MOVIE REVIEW

PIRANHA 3D

PIRANHA 3D (August 27)
Directed by: Alexandre Aja
Starring: Elisabeth Shue, Jerry O'Connell, Richard Dreyfuss, Christopher Lloyd, Ving Rhames
Rated: R (Not Yet Classified)

Based On: Cult horror classics "Piranha" and “Piranha Part Two: The Spawning” – the second being directed by a one James Cameron.
Box Office Prediction: $25 million opening; $50 million final

PLOT: Every year the population of sleepy Lake Victoria explodes from 5,000 to 50,000 for Spring Break; a riot of sun and drunken fun. But this year, there's something more to worry about than hangovers and complaints from local old timers; A new type of terror is about to be cut loose on Lake Victoria. After a sudden underwater tremor sets free scores of the prehistoric man-eating fish, an unlikely group of strangers must band together to stop themselves from becoming fish food for the area's new razor-toothed residents.

MY TAKE: “Piranha 3D” is this year’s “Snakes on a Plane.” What should have been a direct-to-DVD flick now has the potential to become a late summer hit–all thanks to the addition of 3D. Just the prospect of watching hot coeds, frat guys (and Jerry O’Connell) being devoured to pieces by man-eating piranhas in 3D makes it worth the price of admission? This is the type of movie you watch at a drive-thru for shits-and-giggles and then forget about it as soon as the credits begin to roll. The real mystery of “Piranha 3D” isn’t how it got green-lit into a theatrical feature but how director Alexandre Aja managed to lure award-winning actors Elizabeth Shue, Ving Rhames, Christopher Lloyd and Richard Dreyfuss (in full “Jaws” mode) to play major roles in this scream-fest.

THE AMERICAN
PHOTO: Focus Features

THE AMERICAN (September 1)
Directed by: Anton Corbijn
Starring: George Clooney, Irina Björklund, Bruce Altman
Rated: R (Not Yet Classified)

Based On: the novel “A Very Private Gentleman” by Martin Booth

PLOT: Alone among assassins, Jack is a master craftsman. When a job in Sweden ends more harshly than expected for this American abroad, he vows to his contact Larry that his next assignment will be his last. Jack reports to the Italian countryside, where he holes up in a small town and relishes being away from death for a spell. The assignment, as specified by a Belgian woman, Mathilde, is in the offing as a weapon is constructed. Surprising himself, Jack seeks out the friendship of local priest Father Benedetto and pursues romance with local woman Clara. But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate.

MY TAKE: So it’s being released on the first of September but the summer season only technically ends on Labor Day weekend so this still qualifies. August is full of crap anyway. Director Anton Corbijn, best known for his ground breaking music videos and stunning black-and-white photography, has only one film under his belt – the critically acclaimed biopic “Control” which told the story of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis. The lack of feature film credentials didn’t faze superstar George Clooney who typically embraces working with unique independent filmmakers (they tend to help him deliver his best performances). Though the premise may sound like a mainstream thriller, expect this to be more of a romantic drama than anything else.

ALSO OPENING IN AUGUST:

Step Up 3D (August 6): Now you can experience all the sweat and booty dancing in your face!

Lottery Ticket (August 20): Bow Wow wins the lottery and now everyone in his community who hated him wants to be his best friend. Welcome to the suck!

Nanny McPhee Returns (August 20): The buck-toothed nanny from hell returns in this family comedy.

The Switch (August 20): Jennifer Aniston will continue to make us suffer through another terrible comedy. This time she’s bringing Jason Bateman along for the ride.

Takers (August 27): Matt Dillon, Idris Elba, Chris Brown, T.I., Hayden Christensen and Paul Walker star as a group of thieves in what has to be the film with the worst movie poster of 2010. 

Going the Distance (September 3): Drew Barrymore and Justin Long lock tongues on- and off-screen in this long-distance relationship romantic comedy.

AUGUST RELEASE SCHEDULE:

August 6
The Other Guys
Middle Men
Step Up 3D

August 13
Eat Pray Love
The Expendables
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

AUGUST 20
The Lottery Ticket
Nanny McPhee 2
The Switch
Piranha 3
Vampires Suck

AUGUST 27
Takers
The Last Exorcism

SEPTEMBER 3
The American (Sept. 1)
 Going the Distance

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