A Reel Preview: The Year in Film 2013, Episode III

Let’s face it…the year in movies 2013 thus far has been a cloudy day with a few faint rays of sunshine. With the month of April, the second-half of the prologue to the summer movie season, brighter days are hopefully coming soon…

JURASSIC PARK 3D - Hopefully the conversion of this classic film to 3D is better than the abysmal EPISODE I shit-job we got a year ago. JURASSIC PARK actually lends itself to the format because it was shot with depth in mind, and if done correctly, should be a spectacular experience on the big screen.

EVIL DEAD - Before everyone flies into a rage over remakes, let’s not pretend this is the first time EVIL DEAD has been remade. Sam Raimi, who directed EVIL DEAD (1981) and the second-effort at the material in EVIL DEAD II (1987), serves as a producer this time around in this practical-effects driven bloodbath of a horror film. Point of interest: the film may or may not be a remake as much as an extension of the existing franchise.

42 – The legendary ballplayer Jackie Robinson finally gets his due in this big-screen biopic. The film is directed by Brian Helgeland, whose only claim to fame is being the only screenwriter in history to be honored with both an Oscar and Razzie in the same year (L.A. CONFIDENTIAL and THE POSTMAN). Harrison Ford stars.

TO THE WONDER – The question of whether or not Terrence Malick (THE TREE OF LIFE) is an authentic genius or a certified wacko probably won’t be answered in his new film…which he shot without a script. Stars Ben Affleck, Olga Kurylenko, Rachel McAdams, and Javier Bardem.

SCARY MOVIE V – If you haven’t had enough of this crap, here ya go. Stars Charlie Sheen and Ashley Tisdale.

OBLIVION – One man trying searching for something in a post-apocalyptic Earth is nothing new, but the visuals in this film so far look pretty stunning. Stars Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman, and is directed by Joseph Kosinski (TRON LEGACY).

jOBS – Ashton Kutcher is a dead-ringer for Apple-founder Steve Jobs in this biopic. Also stars Dermot Mulroney, Matthew Modine, and James Woods.

THE LORDS OF SALEM – Probably not a good sign that a Rob Zombie horror-film is being released in April, but this family-friendly film having something to do with the Salem Witch Trials promises some shocking visuals.

THE BIG WEDDING: Raise your hand if you’re tired of Robert DeNiro making stupid romantic comedy movies. Also stars Diane Keaton, Susan Sarandon, Amanda Seyfried, Robin Williams, and Katherine Heigl.

PAIN & GAIN – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (who seems to be in ten-thousand movies this year), stars with Mark Wahlberg in this inspired-by-true-events film about two idiot bodybuilders who turned to a life of crime. Also stars Ed Harris and is directed by Michael Bay (THE ROCK, TRANSFORMERS).

MUD – Last year, Matthew McConaughey stunned everyone with his villainous, chilling performance in KILLER JOE. This year he continues his seemingly rebooted career by teaming up with director Jeff Nichols, who stunned everyone two years ago with TAKE SHELTER. Also stars Michael Shannon, Reese Witherspoon, and Sam Shepard.

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In a few weeks, Reel Speak will preview the much-welcomed arrival of the first month of the Summer Movie Season.