Published: May 13, 2009
Kam's Kapsules: May 15, 2009, Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
By Kam Williams 
For movies opening May 15, 2009
BIG BUDGET FILMS
Angels & Demons (PG-13 for violence, mature themes and disturbing images) Tom Hanks reprises his lead role as Dr. Robert Langdon in this sequel to The Da Vinci Code which has the Harvard symbologist traveling to Rome where, with the help of an attractive, Italian scientist (Ayelet Zurer) he unearths clues to the identity of the assassin terrorizing the Vatican. Cast includes Ewan McGregor, Stellan Skarsgard and Armin Mueller-Stahl. (In English, Italian and Latin with subtitles)
INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS
Big Man Japan (PG-13 for action and crude humor) Sci-fi comedy, set in Tokyo, about a lonely, middle-aged slacker (Hitoshi Matsumoto) stuck in the slums whose life is suddenly transformed for better and worse when bolts of electricity turn him into a strong, 30 foot-tall superhero called upon to defend the city from a host of invading monsters. (In Japanese with subtitles)
The Big Shot Caller (Unrated) Inspirational, overcoming-the-odds saga, set in NYC, revolving around a down-on-his-luck, nearsighted nerd with two left feet (Jamie Rhein) who finds some self-esteem by swallowing his pride and learning to Salsa dance with the help of his estranged sister (Marlene Rhein).
The Brothers Bloom (PG-13 for violence, sensuality and brief profanity) Crime caper about a couple of aging con men (Adrien Brody and Mark Ruffalo) trying to retire by swindling a fortune from a New Jersey heiress (Rachel Weisz). With Robbie Coltrane, Maximilian Schell, Ricky Jay, Rinko Kikuchi and Nora Zehetner.
Jerichow (Unrated) Grim romance drama, set in northern Germany, chronicles the potentially-lethal mix brewed when a dishonorably-discharged soldier (Benno Furmann) returns to his impoverished hometown and takes a job as the trusted chauffeur of a middle-aged, Turkish businessman (Hilmi Sozer) with a restless and neglected, beautiful young wife (Nina Hoss). (In German and Turkish with subtitles)
|
Management (R for profanity) Romantic road comedy about a traveling saleswoman (Jennifer Aniston) who finds herself being stalked across the country by the ardent motel manger (Steve Zahn) who fell in love with her at first sight while she was a guest at his establishment. Supporting cast includes Woody Harrelson, Fred Ward and Margo Martindale.
O'Horten (Unrated) Droll dramedy about a melancholy, 67 year-old train engineer's (Baard Owe) attempt to adjust to a solitary existence after being forced to retire because of his age from the only job he has held for the past four decades. (In Norwegian with subtitles)
Revue (Unrated) Alternatively nostalgic and damning documentary, directed by Sergei Loznitsa (Blockade), which paints a chilling portrait of life behind the Iron Curtain during the Fifties and Sixties via a deft interweaving of archival news footage and Soviet propaganda films from the era. (In Russian with subtitles)
Summer Hours (Unrated) Skeletons-out-of-the-closet drama about two brothers (Jeremie Renier and Charles Berling) and a sister (Juliette Binoche) who uncover a few surprises while trying to decide whether to liquidate the family heirlooms they've just inherited from a rich uncle. (In French and English with subtitles)
Kam Williams is a syndicated film and book critic who writes for 100+ publications. He is a member of the New York Film Critics Online, the African-American Film Critics Association, and the NAACP Image Awards Nominating Committee. Contact him through NewsBlaze.
Search News
