George Clooney takes on Danny Trejo at the box office this weekend and it’s bound to be a blow out match. The American stars Clooney as a hitman performing what he hopes to be his final job. Machete stars Trejo as a vengeance seeking vigilante promising to bring the pain. Trying to muscle into their competition are Drew Barrymore and Justin Long in the long-distance romantic comedy Going the Distance. Joining the three wide releases this week are limited releases for documentary The Tillman Story, high school gym comedy The Winning Season and South African wedding comedy White Wedding.
Consensus
Below is a list of what we have come to a general consensus on. The number in parens represents the percentage of our contributors who agree with the statement.
The American: It’s a full split verdict with each of us feeling wildly different about the film, but each likely to watch it at some point. We all agree that it’s an Oscar contender (100%), only Tripp thinks it’s a major one.
Machete: We are split on whether or not to see the film (50%), but agree it’s not an Oscar contender (100%).
Going the Distance: We generally won’t be seeing it (75%) and it isn’t an Oscar contender (100%).
The Tillman Story: Mostly erring on the side of watching it (75%) and generally consider it to be an Oscar contender (75%)
The Winning Season: We’re not sure whether to watch it or not (50%), but we’re certain that there are no Oscars in the film’s future (100%)
White Wedding: Another split verdict (50%) an another unified anti-Oscar sentiment (100%)
WIDE RELEASES
| THE AMERICAN | ||||
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Will We See? |
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ThoughtsThe first trailer had me thinking I wanted to see it. The second trailer assured me I didn’t. Now, I’m not so sure. A lot depends on the response form fellow critics. |
ThoughtsGeorge Clooney’s star power notwithstanding, this is a 60s style art house flick a la Antonioni which could be intriguing, or could prove to be a missed opportunity. |
ThoughtsThis looks like a real sharp film, and I think will be one to watch out for this winter. |
ThoughtsIt could be entertaining and could yield an Oscar nomination for George Clooney, although I think it’s probably unlikely. |
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| MACHETE | ||||
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See the original
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ThoughtsOne of my favorite aspects of the Grindhouse films was the faux trailers of upcoming features. However, to see this trailer and realize it’s not nearly as exciting as it might have seemed when I thought it was fake, I am fairly certain I won’t be seeing this one. |
ThoughtsPoor Robert De Niro. He must really need the money. |
ThoughtsThe trailer was great in Grindhouse, and this could be a real fun film. |
ThoughtsThe fake trailer for “Machete” was one of the best things about “Grindhouse,” so this could be really fun in a trashy sort of way. I’ve never really been a fan of exploitation films or Robert Rodriguez, but I’ll probably check this out at some point in spite of my reservations. |
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| GOING THE DISTANCE | ||||
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See the original
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Will We See? |
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Oscar Chances |
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ThoughtsWhile I’ve gained a lot of respect for Drew Barrymore over the years, I’m really tired of her returning to the lame, broad, romantic comedies that made me question her viability as a serious actress in the first place. |
ThoughtsThis week’s chick flick romantic comedy – if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. |
ThoughtsI like Drew Barrymore a lot, and this looks like a solid, B-level romantic comedy. |
ThoughtsI’m sorry, but this just looks really bad. |
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LIMITED RELEASES
| THE TILLMAN STORY | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
See the original
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Will We See? |
Will We See? |
Will We See? |
Will We See? |
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Oscar Chances |
Oscar Chances |
Oscar Chances |
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ThoughtsIt’s a strong contender for Best Documentary and will therefore be one of the docs I probably pick up, but not until after the awards season unless I can find a great deal of time to look over all the screeners at the end of the year. |
ThoughtsThis study of military and Bush Administration cover-ups and lies is the early favorite for year-end documentary awards. |
ThoughtsNot my cup of tea, but the reviews are strong enough to get me to catch it out on DVD. |
ThoughtsIt doesn’t interest me. |
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NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES RELEASES
| THE WINNING SEASON | ||||
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See the original
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Will We See? |
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ThoughtsIt isn’t really the kind of film I check out at the theater and if I do end up seeing it, it will be on DVD. |
ThoughtsThis week’s inspirational sports drama – I can wait for the DVD. |
ThoughtsDoes Sam Rockwell really need a paycheck this bad? |
ThoughtsAnother quirky indie comedy that looks destined to be completely forgotten by next week. |
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| WHITE WEDDING | ||||
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See the original
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Will We See? |
Will We See? |
Will We See? |
Will We See? |
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ThoughtsThe trailer is barely funny and wedding comedies aren’t that interesting to me, even if it is produced and created wholly within South Africa. |
ThoughtsA South African film about racial tolerance – looks interesting, but should be just as interesting on DVD or cable TV in six months or less. |
ThoughtsLooks like a great Friday night rental. |
ThoughtsI’d never heard of it until just now, but it doesn’t sound like anything I’d be interested in ever watching. |
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