Christopher Nolan has been keeping a secret. He’s done a pretty good job of keeping his new movie “Inception” under wraps, including a movie teaser that was attached to Iron Man 2. Assuming Nolan’s streak continues, it’ll be the one to catch. If “Inception’s” theme of stealing technology is not for you, there’s a wide range of genres opening up. Look forward to: Nic Cage’s latest wig, Angelina Jolie actually acting instead of adopting, and a Beverly Cleary book hitting the big screen.
July 16
Cyrus
Homely dude (John C. Reilly) falls for an attractive woman (Marisa Tomei) who happens to like him too. That is, until the woman’s adult son tries to break them up. Essentially this is an indie movie with a studio comedy angle.
Inception
When Christopher Nolan isn’t directing dark knights, he’s making original movies. That’s not to say that “The Dark Knight” isn’t a great movie (though I’ll forgive him for “Insomnia”), but the Nolan that helmed “Memento” and “The Prestige” is missed. Luckily, he doesn’t appear to be getting into a Sam Raimi-esque funk of churning out a superhero movie every other year. “Inception” is a sci-fi flick built in the present. Technology exists to enter the human mind and thief Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) plans not to steal an idea, but instead plant one.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
One way to get the best out of the over-the-top acting of Nic Cage is to have him play an over-the-top character. In “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” Cage plays the sorcerer who takes a young guy played by Jay Baruchel and tries to train him to be his replacement. It’s actually inspired by the same poem that was featured in Disney’s “Fantasia.”
July 23
Micmacs
After being shot in the “brain box,” Bazil and a motley crew of salvagers concoct a plan to destroy two weapon manufacturers. The film is directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, who also directed the excellent “Amelie”. The cinematography is whimsical, almost like “Pushing Daisies.”
Ramona and Beezus
Oregon’s own Beverly Cleary books are a staple of many kids’ early reading lives. They were a big part of mine, followed shortly by The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. Ramona is played by Joey Kin, who is relatively unknown, having played small parts in various shows. Selena Gomez, who will likely make Disney channel fans squeal, will be playing her older sister Beezus. John Corbett, Bridget Moynahan, Josh Duhamel, and Sandra Oh round out the adult end of the cast.
Salt
With the recent exposure of Russian spies amongst us, this flick will likely get some mainstream attention. Angelina Jolie plays a CIA agent who is accused of being a Russian spy and then goes on the run while attempting to prove her innocence.
