Winning Awards in 2008? - 6.11.2007.2

There were 2 very interesting movie previews that can be seen before Ocean’s 13, and I’m looking forward to both. Not much has been said about either of these movies, but I expect a lot more buzz to arrive as their release time approaches. One film stars Mr. Will Smith, the other Mr. Don Cheadle.

The film with Mr. Don Cheadle is Talk To Me. It’s a film based on the real life of Mr. Ralph “Petey” Greene. From the clip we can quickly see that the film takes place around the late 60’s to early 70’s. It’s a volatile time in America, the Viet Nam war and riots over race and equality are leading the change in everyday life. Mr. Greene is an ex-con, who gets to work as a radio DJ.


In a way he is similar to the character played by Mr. Robin Williams in Good Morning Viet Nam, that is he is direct, humorous, and anything but the status quo. There are 2 great lines from the theatrical trailer that stick in my mind. The first is the character Mr. Greene telling the listening audience,

“I am a recovering alcoholic. I’ve been sober… 5 hours…”

The other line is even better. Mr. Cheadle as Petey states,

“I am about to introduce a pimp that I wouldn’t let was my car, but you [N-word] saw fit to elect him your mayor.”

[For those who are to young to know, being called a pimp in the 70’s was not a compliment. It meant its actual meaning, an unsavory and untrustworthy individual. Suffice to say, the statement was not a compliment.] These lines may not catch you, but when you see the trailer you will understand why they stand out. Expect to hear a great deal about Mr. Cheadle’s performance in this.


The other film, coming out later in the year, is I Am Legend. Its star is Mr. Will Smith and the film is a remake. Actually this is the 3rd version of the film, which is derived from a book by Mr. Richard Matheson. The depiction of the trauma in New York City reflects the somber story and images from its predecessor films.

For those film buffs out there you may recall [potential spoiler alert – the links may give away the plot of the new film] The Last Man on Earth with the remarkable Mr. Vincent Price. A classic film, in black and white, that doesn’t get enough attention these days. Others may be more familiar with the cult film The Omega Man with Mr. Charlton Heston. Both films are based on the same storyline as the up-coming version.

There is little I can say about the film without giving away vital elements. What I will say is that there are many compelling elements to this story, depending on how it is developed. There is a stark harshness, and reality in the film that did not exist when the first 2 versions were made some 30+ years ago. The theatrical trailer fills you with a deep sense of loneliness, loss and painful change. That is the heart of the films.

I can only hope that several elements of the Mr. Vincent Price original, particularly the last 15 minutes, are incorporated in this latest version. There is no question that aspects of the Mr. Charlton Heston remake will carry through, conveying more of a chance for special effects. Given what may be a sparse first half of the film, I expect Mr. Smith’s acting ability to shine brightly.

As many know I generally don’t like the trend of remakes and re-visioning that has enveloped Hollywood. Most films that have been re-done are virtually absent any of the qualities that made the original films worth watching. Often the original remains far superior to the remake. One example would be the re-make of Halloween, the original had scares and intensity without ever showing a drop of blood. I severely doubt its remake will capture the same qualities and will have lavish amounts of blood, much to its loss. Considering the quality of Mr. Smith, and the nature of the prior films, I think this will be an exception to the rule of how bad Hollywood does re-makes these days.

As I mentioned above, the trailers caught my attention as well as all in the theaters. Both leading men are known for their ability and choice of quality films. I’ll even go so far as to say that critical nods will probably go to both performances, based on what I have seen. I’m going out on a limb but mark my words, one or both films will be up for an award. Now that I’ve said that, see the films and see if I’m right. If I am wrong I will mention it, I hope though that my first impression is correct.

This is what I think, what do you think?