Release Dates Sep 04 2008 @ 11:04 am
Theater Releases for September 5th, 2008
Slow weekend this time, kids. There’s nothing here that’s quite as embarrassing as the offerings last week, but we are definitely into the fall slump, my friends. Of these two, my choice is definitely Transsiberian, but don’t take that as a ringing endorsement.
Transsiberian - 
This is the first time we’ve had a review posted before the film got mentioned in a “Theater Releases” post. Truly a/an historic moment. I’m sure you want to take a moment to breathe deeply and contemplate the gravity of the situation. Oh, and as for the movie, it’s a serviceable thriller set on a train with some pretty shocking moments and a dull ending that tries too hard to be awesome. Not a masterpiece, but not half bad.
Recommended if you liked Fargo, Murder on the Orient Express, or Insomnia
Bangkok Dangerous
Not a surprise: a hit Asian movie gets remade by Hollywood. Surprise: it’s not a horror movie. Nicolas Cage stars in this action thriller, playing an assassin who was deaf and mute in the original. He’s not deaf in this one, because…well, because Hollywood knows that disenfranchised people groups don’t sell tickets (unless you’re trying to win Oscars, of course). Anyway, I think he kills a bunch of people…or…something.
Recommended if you’re longing for another Matchstick Men, or if you always wanted to see Zoolander done straight
on Sep 04 2008 @ 11:31 am 1. Evan Derrick said …
Ouchee. If I’m in the mood for some punishment, I might stumble my way into Bangkok Dangerous. Nothing gets the creative juices flowing like a good pan.
on Sep 04 2008 @ 11:32 am 2. Ryan Dunlap said …
Note: Disenfranchised people groups that don’t go see movies…
on Sep 04 2008 @ 11:39 am 3. Kristena said …
So is Transsiberian likened to Fargo because there’s snow or for some more profound reason?
on Sep 04 2008 @ 11:46 am 4. Luke Harrington said …
Nope. Just the snow. (Seriously, read my review. It’s where I make all sorts of profound observations about both Fargo and Transsiberian being examples of post-feminist anti-noir…and throw in a few more big words as well, just to make myself look smart.)
And Ryan, what about MOPIX? (My mom has worked as a deaf educator her whole life, so the culture is somewhat near to my heart as well. She never bothered to teach me ASL, though, I guess because she’s mean.)
on Sep 04 2008 @ 1:39 pm 5. Daniel said …
I’m actually comparing Transsiberian more to Strangers on a Train and A Simple Plan in my review, but I don’t disagree with yours either. You could even throw Jar City in there if you wanted to make a stretch. In any case, I liked it as much if not more than the star rating that you give it (I haven’t read your review yet).
on Sep 04 2008 @ 4:02 pm 6. Fletch said …
I can’t wait to vomit after watching Bangkok Dangerous on HBO in 4 months. It’s gonna be AWESOME!
Congrats on not only taking part in history, but creating it. What’s next - destroying it?
on Sep 04 2008 @ 5:52 pm 7. Evan Derrick said …
Bottle Shock also expands this weekend to around 430 theaters. In case anyone was interested.
on Sep 04 2008 @ 5:57 pm 8. Phillip Johnston said …
Saw Bottle Shock last week. A strange little movie, for sure.
on Sep 04 2008 @ 6:05 pm 9. Evan Derrick said …
I’m seeing it tonight or tomorrow night, I’m not sure. Looks…interesting.
on Sep 04 2008 @ 6:24 pm 10. Phillip Johnston said …
It seems as if Alan Rickman is doing a double-header with the director of Bottle Shock. You’ll probably see a trailer for another movie before BS with the exact same credits. Rickman must see something in the writer/director … certainly strange after watching the film.
on Sep 05 2008 @ 12:45 am 11. Ryan Dunlap said …
Luke, I’m afraid I can’t say I’ve heard of MoPix. I had a few Deaf friends in high school and college, went to a Deaf church a few times, and taught ASL at a couple camps… but never ran across it. Very strange. I googled it and it seems pretty cool. I guess I just never talked movies with my Deaf friends before.