Monday, April 28, 2014

Reel Facts & Opinions: The Year In Film 2014, Episode IV


The summer movie season of 2014 had a “soft” opening with the packed month of April, and now stomps into a higher gear with the monster-month of May. Here are the notable films to look forward to.
It all swings away with…

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 – The fifth Spider-Man film in the last 12 years is a direct sequel to the 2012 version, which has nothing to do with the first three Spidey films (everybody got that?). Andrew Garfield returns as the web-slinger, and he is joined by Sally Field, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan, Chris Cooper, and Paul Giamatti. Marc Webb returns to direct.
NEIGHBORS – Seth Rogen and Zac Efron star in this comedy which is not a remake of the 1981 Aykroyd/Belushi vehicle.

CHEF – Jon Favreau (IRON MAN) directs and stars in this comedy about a chef who refuses to compromise his artistic integrity for a controlling owner. Stars Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo, Dustin Hoffman, Oliver Platt…and a few surprise cameos.
GOD’S POCKET – One of the final films of the late great Phillip Seymour Hoffman is the first directorial effort by John Slattery (TV’s MAD MEN). Co-stars Christina Hendricks, Eddie Marsan, Richard Jenkins, and John Turturro.

GODZILLA – The decades-old monster gets another shot at the big screen. Stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson (KICK-ASS), Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston, Ken Watanabe, and David Strathairn. Directed by Gareth Edwards; the man behind the critically acclaimed indie-film MONSTERS in 2010.
MILLION DOLLAR ARM – This true-story adaptation by Disney stars John Hamm (TV’s MAD MEN) as a pro-sports agent who brings the first group of Eastern Indian baseball players to the States. Co-stars Bill Paxton and Lake Bell.

THE IMMIGRANT – This 1920’s period-piece heavily wears its GODFATHER influence on in its sleeves in look and atmosphere. Stars Joaquin Phoenix, Jeremy Renner, Marion Cotillard, Harry Hamlin, and Paul Sorvino.  
X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST – The seventh X-Men film since 2000 combines the cast of the present-day with the cast of the past as seen in X-MEN: FIRST CLASS (everybody got that?). The supersized roster includes Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, Ellen Page, Nicholas Hoult, James McAvoy, Anna Paquin, Halle Berry, Shawn Ashmore, and Peter Dinklage. Bryan Singer (X-MEN, X2) directs.

MALEFICENT – This live-action film explores the untold story of the villain from Disney’s SLEEPING BEAUTY. Angelina Jolie stars as Maleficent, and she is joined by Sharlto Copley (DISTRICT 9), and Elle Fanning (SUPER 8).
A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST – Seth MacFarlane takes a shot at writing and directing for the big-screen in this Old West parody. Co-stars Charlize Theron, Amanda Seyfried, Giovanni Ribisi, Liam Neeson, Neil Patrick Harris, and Sarah Silverman.

FILTH – This art-house drama stars James McAvoy as a crooked cop. Co-stars Jamie Bell, Jim Broadbent, and Eddie Marsan.

*

Next month, Episode V dives into June.

 

 

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