When it comes to summer blockbusters, there is no denying that we have been and continue to be truly spoilt this year. What with Iron Man, Indian Jones…, The Hulk, Hancock, The Dark Knight… need I go on?
However, this year the studios have decided to add a few refreshing sides to our otherwise high in action, blood and CGI packed meal deal.
Even though if you blink, you’re sure to miss them in the cinemas, if you do you won’t be disappointed.
LONESOME JIM - Released 11th April
Following a less than eventful US release in 2005, where it was eclipsed by the similar Garden State; Lonesome Jim, sees 27- year old Jim, played by Casey Affleck, slightly more troubled than Zack Braff’s Andrew Largeman, returning to his hometown in Indiana after failing to make it in the big city.
Despondent and living high on negativity Jim finds himself experiencing life like he could never have imagined.
Directed by Hollywood’s A grade oddball, Steve Buscemi, Lonesome Jim is one of those rare cinematic treats that successfully combine emotionally rich drama with salty humour.
IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS - Released 13th June 2008
Cast your mind back to those classic love stories, before the dawn of rom-coms or chick flicks, Harry had yet to meet Sally, Julia Robert’s parents were blissfully unaware that they were about to conceive, well Julia Roberts and you have the essence of In Search of a Midnight Kiss.
Even though set very much in the present day, In Search… is stripped of all that gloss, colour and star magnetism. Instead what you have is a charming little film that lingers in the moonlit air. Something that many modern day filmmakers have tried but regrettably failed to do. Mingle that with a little Woody Allensque, circa Annie Hall verve and off-colour wit, and you have In Search… kind of mapped out. Oh if you hadn’t of guessed the nuts and bolts of the story is, boy meets girl, both jump aboard the love boat, smooth sailing never occurs. But that would be very much short changing it.
A COMPLETE HISTORY OF MY SEXUAL FAILURES - Released 27 June 2008
Documentary film-maker, Chris Waitt’s relationship resume reads as follows, “13 (failed) relationships, 47 minor erotic encounters and 16,425 unfulfilled sexual impulses”, thus lonely and unlovable.
Deciding to take fate into his own hands, Waitt sets out on what he hopes to be an enlightening journey, which is short, tracking down all of his ex-girlfriends and asking them the million dollar question, where did he go wrong?
Packed with that endearing and ingenious wit that Brits are famous for, Waitt has done what every film student is advised to do when your hungry and have no money. Get out there and film with what you’ve got!
MARRIED LIFE - Released 27th June 2008
Meet Harry Allen (Chris Cooper), he is in love with the much young Kay (Rachel McAdams), however there is just one teeny weeny problem standing in their way. His wife Pat (Patricia Clarkson). Being the ever gentleman and not wanting to upset the missus, Harry decides there is only one thing to do. Kill her.
Set in the 1940’s, in post world war two America, Married Life is a period drama, heavily seasoned with rich, lush melodrama and wicked black comedy.
