What?
Nothing symbolises this more than the third chapter in that ancient literary cannon, High School Musical 3. It’s all you need to know about, because even if you’re not seeing it, it’s the reason you’ll find yourself surrounded by squealing, Efron loving girls when you’re lining up for popcorn. Effortlessly coined ‘Senior Year’, for those who care it is an improvement on the last lack-lustre sequel.
And if I’d rather die?
For the slightly older, but equally festive, there’s Four Holidays. Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn are giants of the upbeat genre, though advance word is it’s as empty an experience as Fred Claus was last year (also a Vaughn flick, he’s developing a habit). Never fear, check your expectations at the door. It’s an option if you want something minus challenge and unpredictability.
Something award winning?
Not really – unless you count cinematography, in which case Australia counts. It’s still showing, sinking but showing. Divisive, but must see.
I’d still rather die…
Then the only horror option for you is Quarantine. Cheap, fast, suggestive and then plain gory. If this is your thing, this is your low grade bread and butter.
What movie are you refusing to mention?
I won’t say.*
I think I’ll wait till the end of the week – will that make me happy?
That depends entirely on how you feel about vampires, and the aforementioned tweens. It’s called Twilight. It’s based on a series of books that you either love or don’t care about. It’s empowering Goths and Emos the world over, and it will top the box office the minute it touches down (though its staying power is questionable).
What should I be watching?
American Teen – breathtaking access to that most iconic of genres, the US high school. Sometimes truth is better than fiction (though there is a line of criticism that claims director Nanette Burstein coached her subjects). My favourite doco since Murderball.
I’ll stick with the couch…
Tweens can get the inferior Camp Rock, adults can luxuriate in the special 2 disc edition of The Dark Knight.
Any news?
There’s a lot of chatter about Kate Winslet’s nudity in the upcoming flick The Reader, with a New York critic claiming it trivialises the Nazi Holocaust. It’s one way to get people talking about a film very few will actually see (thus making it perfect Oscar fodder). Her co-star is Ralph Fiennes, whose brother Joseph is currently eyeing off a move into television. Jo’s considering a project called ‘Flash Forward’ – the answer to the meandering ‘Lost’. Meanwhile Will Smith is considering another ill-conceived sequel (looking at you MIB2) – the second of his current mood. Hancock 2: Completely Unnecessary. It’s getting in line behind I Am Legend: Didn’t He Die in the First One?
By the way, sequels to Twilight and HSM3: Senior Year are already in the works. It’s never going to end.
* = Big Stan
