By REBECCA DANIELS, Special to Bootleg Essential Culture
“Be Kind Rewind," in theatres Feb. 22
“B“Be Kind Rewind”
In theatres Feb. 22
Something is off when Jack Black stars in a remake of “Boyz n the Hood.”
In “Be Kind Rewind”, Jack Black plays Jerry, a man whose brain was accidentally magnetized by a local power plant. Jerry’s condition causes all the videos in his friend Mike’s (Mos Def) store to be erased.
The store’s sole patron is an older woman (Mia Farrow) who has lost touch with reality. The guys figure out a creative way to keep her happy.
Jerry and Mike collaborate to make their own versions of the lost tapes. The duo stars in low-budget, 20-minute remakes of movies like “The Lion King” and “Robocop.” Their plan works well, until the FBI probes about erased copyright warnings.
Michel Gondry (of “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” fame) directs this colorful film.
“Jumper”
In theatres Feb. 14
You know that freaky commercial with the “Jumper” trailer and an HP laptop spot?
Yeah, we didn’t get it either. For some reason, the computer company decided to pair a Serena Williams ad and this feature film, making it the longest (and most confusing) commercial ever. However, the plotline of “Jumper” doesn’t seem as difficult as the TV advertisement.
“Jumper” features Hayden Christensen as David Rice, a young man who can teleport himself anywhere he wants (even into a HP laptop ad). Rice discovers his gift as a boy, enabling him to escape an abusive father.
Rice soon finds that he is not the only one with this genetic abnormality. Among other “jumpers” is Griffin (played by Jamie Bell), who is constantly avoiding an enemy organization.
Samuel L. Jackson plays the leader of the Paladin Organization, a society who aims to kill powerful “jumpers.” After Rice discovers his ability, he becomes a target and must protect those he loves.
This sci-fi flick is directed by Doug Limon, who also directed “The Bourne Identity” and “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.”
“The Other Boleyn Girl”
In theatres Feb. 29
Scarlett Johansson vs. Natalie Portman. The battle royale takes place in 16th century Great Britain. This could get interesting.
“The Other Boleyn Girl” tells the story of the Boleyn sisters, who compete for the affection of King Henry VIII (played by Eric Bana). Sisters Mary (Johansson) and Anne (Portman) are encouraged by their ambitious family to vie for the attention of the king.
Anne turns out to be the most motivated of the pair, holding out long enough to convince Henry she should be Queen of England.
While Queen Anne tries to produce a male heir for the famous king, Mary becomes Henry’s mistress. When things don’t go according to plan for Anne, the other Boleyn girl is forced to defend her sister.
American and Aussie actors fill the starring roles, which should put an interesting spin on this British historical film. The tale is based upon the novel of the same name by British author Philippa Gregory.
