Well, ladies and gentlemen, it’s back to the grind. As we all throw out our old calendars and ring in the New Year, we also must ring in the second semester. However, there are several new films being released that have a little something for everyone to escape from the back-to-school doldrums.
There will be plenty of options for horror aficionados to feast upon in January. “Texas Chainsaw 3D” (Jan.4) is not a remake, but a continuation of Tobe Hooper’s 1974 cult masterpiece – as to whether or not this Leatherface can live up to the original remains to be seen. Guillermo del Toro presents “Mama” (Jan.18), a story about two sisters who are adopted, much to the rage of their ghostly mother. “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” (Jan. 25) looks like a medieval take on the “Resident Evil” franchise, with its tongue even more firmly in cheek.
Two very different comedies will grace the silver screen. The first is “Quartet” (Jan. 11), a film about a group of retired opera singers and their exploits. The film’s veteran cast will most likely make it a hit with an older crowd. On the other hand, “Movie 43” (Jan. 25) appears to be a film with the goal of being as offensive as possible. The movie boasts a massive, talented cast, but can the film truly shock jaded internet-savvy audiences? We’ll find out.
Perhaps the violent drama is more your thing. January will have both a period piece and a topical film to offer. “Gangster Squad” (Jan. 11) is about a group of men in the LAPD who take the law into their own hands to stop a ruthless gangster in the 40’s. This film stars Ryan Gosling. If you do not want to see it based on that knowledge alone, I don’t know what is wrong with you.
“Zero Dark Thirty” (Jan. 11) is probably the most controversial film in recent memory, and for good reason – it tackles the capture and death of Osama bin Laden. Although the film features the direction of Oscar winner Kathryn Bigelow, will people think it is necessary to see a film based on a series of events that occurred so recently? I didn’t think anyone would see a Facebook movie, but boy was I wrong about that.
All in all, I’d say that this January offers a higher-quality batch of films than usual for the start of the year. So what are you waiting for? Grab a ticket and watch a movie!
