Upcoming Potential


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For January

The Dumping Ground Months are Looking Better Every Year

-----Here's the deal. This year I'll try my best to be tougher on ratings, but that's not gonna happen; so outside of 4.5 and 5 star ratings, you should read the review before blindly going to see it-though you probably should anyway, in case your tastes vary form my all powerful judgements. You can expect a Top 10 list for 2009 hopefully sometime around mid-February before the Oscars because I'd like to see a few more films that didn't come to my theater ('The Hurt Locker,' 'Up in the Air,' etc.) before making a final list. That being said, it's a toss-up for 'Green Hat Reviews' Best Picture, seeing as there was such a diverse pallet this year and the films are virtually equal in my mind when it comes to my top 5; that, and there's no obvious choice like there was in 2008 ('The Dark Knight'). In the meantime I'll be finishing up some 2009 reviews I haven't gotten to yet, along with hopefully providing at least one review a week for new releases. Bare with me, I don't have the time alotted by summer. Other than that, I'm hoping sometime this year to add more features to the site, including possible mini-reviews of older films I've been watching, and maybe more film news at some time or another. Until then, I recommend NewsInFilm.com. It's a pretty strong source, though also biased to a usually humorous though occasionally annoying outcome. Anyway, here's what you can look forward to in January.

-----First up, yet another vampire flick arrives in 'Daybreakers.' This one has a strong cast in Ethan Hawke and Willem Dafoe, and could possibly be an enjoyable action film. Then there's the romantic comedy 'Leap Year,' listed partially because I know that my theater's getting it, and partially because it's actually filmed in Ireland, so it could be a mildly enjoyable chick flick. After all, Amy Adams had a pretty solid track record last year with 'Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian' and 'Julie & Julia.' Also that week is Michael Cera vehicle 'Youth in Revolt.' This coud be an entertaingin little comedy, and the dual personality spin should offer a new take on Cera's typical routine. The next week, only one film catches my eye; the postapocalyptic action flick 'The Book of Eli.' The veteran acting talents of Denzel Washington ('The Taking of Pelham 123') and Gary Oldman ('The Dark Knight') may very well elevate it to something beyond mediocre action fare. The 22nd of January brings a seemingly similar film to the table in the Angels vs. Humans action flick, 'Legion.' Despite its blatant premise flaws, it could be an OK action film, seeing as it stars the immensely likable Paul Bettany of one of my all time favorite films, the ultimate crowd pleaser that is, 'A Knight's Tale.' Rounding out the month is 'The Edge of Darkness,' marking the return of Mel Gibson to acting. It basically looks like 'Taken 2: Boston Brawl,'with the poster, release date (see the link to Jaunary 2009's 'Upcoming Potential' section below, which was actually the very first ever 'Potential' entry) and premise resembling last year's entertaining revenge flick 'Taken.' Hopefully it will pack more of a storytelling punch than 'Taken' though, as the trailer does seem to suggest (although in reality its trailer isn't even on par with 'Taken's exceptional trailer campaign). And that's it, a surprisingly full pallet for the dumping ground that January usually is. And one bonus of January, the films aren't always marketed for six months in advance, so there's the occasional chance of surprise hits and whatnot, always a nice bonus when you see as many films as I do.

Daybreakers Trailer



Leap Year Trailer



Youth in Revolt Trailer



The Book of Eli Trailer



Legion Trailer



The Edge of Darkness Trailer



For January-December 2009 'Upcoming Potential' Sections, click HERE