By: Sean Kayden
Back in 2008, “The Black List” declared Kyle Killen’s script, THE BEAVER the number one unproduced screenplay. In early May it will be unleashed to audiences. It stars Mel Gibson as a distressed husband who finds a beaver hand puppet, which seemingly becomes his only means of communication. Directed and co-starring Jodie Foster, “The Beaver” premiered last month at the SXSW Film Festival with mixed-to-positive reactions. Despite any notable flaws with the movie, the buzz is strong on the acting performances, especially with Mel Gibson’s portrayal. It is apparent that he desperately needs “The Beaver” to be a moderate hit or his career as an actor may become a thing of the past. Regardless, “The Beaver” looks like a poignant family drama that will be filled with small, intimate moments about love, life, and the road to self-discovery no matter what age you are. Look for “The Beaver” in limited released on May 6th and opening wider on May 20th.
HESHER is directed and co-written by newcomer, Spencer Susser. It first was featured at Sundance in 2010. The film stars the always-superlative Joseph Gordon Levitt (500 Days Of Summer, Inception) as the titular character who’s radical, an arsonist and a loner. Hesher soon becomes the mentor and tormentor of T.J. (introducing Devin Brochu), a 13 year-old boy who moves in at his grandmother’s house with his despondent father after the accidental death of T.J.’s mother. Hesher ends up moving in as well to shake up the household. T.J.’s father Paul (Rainn Wilson), still grief stricken, doesn’t have the verbal fight in him to kick out Hesher. However, Hesher’s anarchy ironically pulls the family out of their anguish and aids them in embracing life once again. This one also co-stars Natalie Portman as a supermarket cashier that tries to protect TJ, whom he quickly becomes smitten with. “Hesher” was picked up by independent studio, Newmarket films last year and it will finally see the light of day on May 13th. From the looks it, “Hesher” has cult status written all over it and may just become a sleeper hit.
BEAUTIFUL BOY is an untraditional love story that explores the journey of a married couple on the brink of separation, who must live with inconceivable heartache after their 18 year-old son commits a mass shooting at his college, then subsequently ending his own life. Maria Bello (A History Of Violence, The Cooler) and Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon, The Queen) star in this sentimental drama that debuted last year at the Toronto Film Festival. Shawn Ku is making his feature directorial debut with a script he co-wrote with Michael Armbruster. From the trailer and premise, “Beautiful Boy” obviously appears to be a heavy heart laden drama. I’m expecting a few (and for others, plenty of) tears. “Beautiful Boy” is either going to be a deeply moving, heart gripping tale or come off as pretentious, sappy, and maudlin. Whatever the case may be, I’ll definitely be checking out this hopefully fulfilling drama. “Beautiful Boy” will be in select theaters on May 20th.
Like “Hesher”, SKATELAND premiered at Sundance in 2010 and will arrive in limited theaters on May 13th, courtesy of Freelstyle Releasing. “Skateland” is the quintessential coming-of-age tale about a 19 year-old skating ring manager (Shiloh Fernandez) living in small town Texas in the 80s and on the cusp of figuring out his future. Ashlee Greene, from “Twilight” fame also co-stars. The movie appears to dip into familiar terrain, but I’ve always been a sucker for these types of stories. It’s about growing up, discovering who you want to become and what’s exactly important to you. I remain rather optimistic that first time director, Anthony Burns has skillfully crafted a charming and profoundly affecting film about small town adolescents with big dreams.
2010 Sundance Special Jury Prize winner, SYMPATHY FOR DELICIOUS, tells the story of a recently paralyzed DJ (Christopher Thornton) struggling with every day life. Things rapidly begin to change when he mysteriously discovers to posses healing powers to cure the sick – although not himself. The DJ receives more than he anticipated when he sets his sights on cashing in on his mystical gift in exchange for his rock n’ roll ambitions. The superbly talented actor, Mark Ruffalo finds himself behind the camera this time around as he makes his directorial debut. “Sympathy for Delicious” is fueled with a solid group of well-known actors including Ruffalo himself, Juliette Lewis, Orlando Bloom, Laura Linney, and John Carroll Lynch. First time writer and real life paraplegic, Christopher Thornton stars as the lead character, “Delicious” Dean O’Dwyer. I’ve heard mixed responses toward the film, but those who enjoyed it found it to be very effective. The delicate subject matter of faith may turn off a few people, but if you’re an open-minded filmgoer, “Sympathy For Delicious” might be an appropriate and hopefully rewarding substitute to seek out during a bloated summer movie season. You can find “Sympathy For Delicious” arriving in select theaters on April 29th and VOD May 5th.
Published on April 30, 2011 by Mountain Views News
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