Features

GIITTV's Summer Scorchers at the Cinema

GodisintheTV 24/07/2009

Adventureland

When Superbad gets mentioned you probably think of either Judd Apatow or Seth Rogen. Often overlooked, yet still a massively important part is director Greg Mottola. So what better way to introduce you to the man that crafted one of the best comedies in recent years, than with this semi-autobiographical story of his early life. What's more it's set against the backdrop of an American Fun Fair.

This isn't something you'll have seen before, if you think about it'd probably be difficult to think of any comedies that have taken place there. But this underused setting is perfect for the story of the transition of adolescence in a place that changes for every person as they get older. While the trailer paints this film as being another romantic comedy, it seems much more likely that like Almost Famous, this won't just be a rose tinted view of a youth misspent. The love story remains present though, but thankfully this isn't just a cash-in comedy, even if Superbad super cop Bill Hader appears to be running the park from the end of a baseball bat. (CU)

Inglourious Basterds

Quentin Tarantino has turned his hand to most genres, funky seventies blaxploitation, eighties trash movies and samurais. All have generally been successful and a new Tarantino film is usually cause for celebration. The news that his latest effort would be a war film however didn't sit as comfortably. Could his quick, dialogue heavy style of film translate to a wartime scenario? Would the fact that it had been sitting on the shelf for eight years affect its punch? The teaser trailers quickly dispatch these any other lingering doubts.

Basterds

Alongside talky Tarantino we've become used to, we have a gung ho shoot-em-up in which the swear count will only be matched by the massive body count. Historically accuracy isn't really a concern here as Brad Pitt's team of 'Basterds' are in France incognito to dispatch Hitler and top German government all in one swift violent move. All of this takes place in a theatre at which all the Nazi's are conveniently assembled.

So it's pretty tongue in cheek, though the humour will predictably as dark as the Nazi uniforms. If you have strong stomachs and fancy a slightly more highbrow Rambo you probably shouldn't look any further. (CU)

Shutter Island

Shutter Island

After the success of The Departed, the first film to win Hollywood legend Martin Scorsese an Oscar, he and Leonardo Di Caprio have teamed up once more in adapting Dennis Lehane's novel of the same name. Not only boasting the stellar De Caprio/Scorsese partnership, the film also stars Ben Kingsley and Mark Ruffalo (Zodiac, Collateral, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). The film takes place in 1954 on Shutter Island, home to Ashecliffe psychiatric hospital. U.S. Deputy Marshals Teddy Daniels and Chuck Aule investigate the disappearance of a patient, Rachel Solando, who had committed multiple murders. As a hurricane bears down on them they search the island only to find that the hospital has practiced sinister measures during its existence.

The film also promises to look superb with tried and tested cinematographer and regular Scorsese choice Robert Richardson (The Aviator, Casino, Platoon) in control of the cameras. Likely to be one of, if not the thriller of 2009 and an Oscar contender, Shutter Island will keep you waiting a while as it is due for release in early October. (PC)

Funny People

There's a quick way to strike fear into certain moviegoers hearts, simply mention the latest Adam Sandler comedy. While his early movies were hilarious in their buffoonery, Happy Gilmore and The Waterboy, his later work became synonymous with idiotic humour…and not the good kind. But with the comedy Midas Judd Apatow directing, writing and producing, Sandler could go some way to dispatching his annoying goon image.

Sandler stars as stand-up George Simmons who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Befriending fellow comic Seth Rogen he sets about putting his affairs straights and in the course of doing so George reconnects with 'the one that got away'. As George battles back against the cancer he realises he cannot let this girl go and attempts to steal her back from Eric Bana.

FunnyPeople

So yes it is a romantic comedy but mercifully it's a million miles away from Fifty First Dates. With his first directorial job since Knocked Up, Apatow has been putting the actors and actresses through their paces by forcing them back onto the stand-up scene to freshen up their skills. Hopefully the title will be apt and this will be one of the funniest things released this summer. (CU)

The Taking of Pelham 123

Tony Scott's remake of the 1974 hostage movie is released at the end of the month with power punch duo of John Travolta and Denzel Washington heading an all-star cast that also includes James 'Tony Soprano' Gandolfini and John Torturro. It's the action-packed story of an average-Joe subway controller's (Washington) battle against a ruthless, hostage-mastermind (Travolta). In true Tony Scott style and with the involvement of Washington and Travolta it promises to be a slick, full-throttle blockbuster. (PC)

(Words: Christopher Upton and Paul Cook)