's Russ Collins. Offer your opinion on a recent movie you've seen, or on anything Russ mentions. A winner will be randomly selected, and we’ll notify that person via the email address they signed up with. They will get two passes to a movie of their choice, courtesy of The Michigan Theater.Full rules here.
Golden Globes are Sunday: Can Kevin Spacey win for“Casino Jack”?
Kevin Spacey is a bit of a dark horse to win the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy (he’s up against Paul Giamatti for “Barney's Version,” Johnny Depp for “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Tourist,” and Jake Gyllenhaal for “Love and Other Drugs”). However, this always-compelling actor is great in “Casino Jack,” based on the true story of disgraced political lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who defrauded Native American tribes out of tens of millions of dollars in his efforts to peddle influence in Washington's corridors of power. As justice closes in on Abramoff and his associates, the audacious scope of his scams comes to light. The film also stars Kelly Preston, Jon Lovitz and Barry Pepper. New York critic Lou Lumenick says, “Spacey has a field day as the hyper-energetic Abramoff, who observes that ‘Washington is Hollywood with ugly people.‘” “Casino Jack”opens Friday at the Michigan Theater.
“The Green Hornet” — starring Seth Rogen , Jay Chou and Christoph Waltz — opens this Friday. Based on the 1930s radio program, it gets the 3D treatment from visionary director Michel Gondry . Driven by the murder of his father and the realization that his media empire is infested with ruthless heroin smugglers, former good-for-nothing playboy Britt Reid, aka the Green Hornet, and his human weapon Kato jump into action. While there are no “official” reviews available, the word from sneak previews audiences is that the acting is fantastic, the action is great, and that the film is actually a lot better than the trailers make it seem. Looks fun.
“The Dilemma” stars Vince Vaughn and Kevin James and is directed by Ron Howard . Since college, confirmed bachelor Ronny (Vaughn) and happily married Nick (James) have been through thick and thin. Now partners in an auto design firm, the two pals are vying to land a dream project that would launch their company, when Ronny discovers that his best friend's wife is having an affair. Jennifer Connelly, Winona Ryder, Channing Tatum and Queen Latifah also star. A lack of preliminary reviews is probably an indication of bad news for this film, which opens Friday.
“Deadly Deception” tells the story of the 400 African-American men from Macon, Alabama, who for four decades were unwitting participants in a government study of untreated syphilis. Wellesley College medical historian Susan M. Reverby will lead a discussion after the screening. The film and discussion are presented by UM Institute of Social Research and admission is free to the public. The film plays at the Michigan TheaterMonday, January 17 at 1 p.m.
“Bilal’s Stand,” directed byMichigan's own Sultan Sharrief , returns to the Michigan Theater. Bilal, a Muslim high school senior in Detroit, works long hours to keep up both his grades and his family’s taxi business. Bilal appears destined to lead the family business. However, the prospect of a college scholarship could put him on a different path. Filmmaker Magazine says, “Based on a true story, 'Bilal’s Stand' radiates warmth, humor, and originality.” A discussion will take place after the film. “Bilal’s Stand” playsMonday January 17 at 5 p.m.at the Michigan Theater.
The American International Film Festival is a collection of short films that includes “L’Enver du Ciel,” “Before Breakfast,” “Animaminded” and “Lucy’s Law.” It playsSunday, January 16 from noon-4 p.m., and tickets are $10 adults and $8 students and seniors. For more information, visit theAIFF website.
“Lifting King Kong,” presented by the U-M Center for Korean Studies, tells the story of Lee Ji Bong ( Lee Beom Su ), who won a bronze medal in the 1988 Olympics for weightlifting. An injury forces him away from competing and into a coaching career. He becomes the weightlifting coach for six girls. Based on a true story, this coach and his six female weightlifters collected 14 gold medals and one silver medal (out of 15 possible medals) — a record that remains unbeaten in the South Korean weightlifting history. The film playsSaturday, January 15 at 2 p.m.at the Michigan Theater. Admission is free.
The following is Russ’ list of the newest and the best to help you prioritize what to see this week:
Opening:
• “The Green Hornet” — Looks like a lot of fun and I hear “Kato-Vision” 3D is something to behold.
• “Casino Jack” — Greed isn’t so great, but Spacey’s performance is.
Continuing:
• “The King’s Speech” — Historical British cinema! It must be Oscar season!
• “True Grit”— The Coen Brothers return to the genre they revitalized.
• “I Love You Phillip Morris” — A comic look at falling in love and finding identity.
• “Black Swan” — A hypnotic thriller that examines the psychological breakdown of a ballet dancer.
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