Open Thread: Deafened by Doldrums

I cannot say that 2011 is completely devoid of quality, because that's just not true. There is quality out there, but it's just not being shown to the general public. About a month ago, a little film called Cedar Rapids came out to favorable reviews, and I was eager in anticipation for it to expand from its initial limited release. That hasn't happened yet, and I expect it will probably head to DVD before it does. It's such a shame, because this seems like the perfect time to expand to a wider audience. We've gone through two solid months of settling for mediocre quality features, Justin Bieber, and a legitimately entertaining Ashton Kutcher film. No Strings Attached has no right to be legitimately entertaining, and it wouldn't be if we had a greater film to hold in stark contrast.

We have a similar predicament this weekend, with Red Riding Hood, Mars Needs Moms, and Battle: Los Angeles holding massive box office prospects, but minuscule critical value. It's almost as if Jane Eyre isn't even heading to theaters, which in the grand scheme of things, it isn't. It's only opening in four theaters this weekend, and though it should be a hit with audiences who happen to live in the right area, I doubt it'll go on to a wide release. The only film heading to wide release anytime soon that I know will be great is Paul, but of course it pales in comparisoj to the limited release of that week, which happens to be my most anticipated film of this month, Win Win.

What's the use of releasing quality films in this time of the year if nobody sees them? I know it seems like I'm going on a pointlessly aggressive rant, which I am, but I can't be the only one complaining about the lack of quality. It's depressing how so many people in the business have no idea how to make thought provoking cinematic entertainment. I understand how it happens, because if you've been to any college film production class, you've had to sit through some films that came off as formulaic, stilted, poorly made, or just plain stupid. Somehow that's enough to earn a passing grade, and eventually easy acceptance to the industry. This isn't so much about making a request, as it is about defining the general state of mind at this moment. Please comment below on your own thoughts on this topic, be it in agreement or disagreement. Just let loose on what you've thought of the films to be released thus far this year.

The Weekend Report: Not Bad; Not Good

At the onset of this year, I would've considered this a pathetic weekend at the movies, but we've already been through at least four truly pathetic weekends this year. Given the circumstances, this weekend seems like a surprising breath of fresh air. I don't plan on seeing anything that comes out this weekend, but they are going to do well at the box office. Justin Bieber is in a solid position to rule the weekend, because he's the headline of a 3D concert pick. Never Say Never is going to draw in most of his enormous fanbase, and a few of us who are just looking for an optimistic alternative to the drivel of the market.

Talking of which, Adam Sandler's new film Just Go with It also has a nice chance at posting some solid numbers by Sunday afternoon. I really don't think he deserves it, but he usually opens above $30 million, so that's where I'd rely on his latest film landing. Any children who aren't drawn to Bieber or Sandler will be heading to the CG circuit for Gnomeo and Juliet. It's not exactly the perfect kids film for this time of year, but it's the first chance for the kids to really get out there this year. Thus far, we've had to sit through adult horror flicks like The Rite and action-vehicles like The Green Hornet, not to mention No Strings Attached. The kids deserve something to go see, and they won't care if it's awful. Look at the cash The Last Airbender brought in last year.

Films To See In 2011: February

So what could possibly be worst than January in terms of theatrical enjoyment? It seems like that's February in terms of this year, because we are definitely stepping down in terms of quality. I've had a hard time picking out three films I actually want to see, because there are so few. At the same time, I had a hard time figuring out three bad films for you to vote for me to see, because there are so many. I'm obviously not looking forward to The Roommate, Gnomeo and Juliet, and Drive Angry, but I'm also not terribly excited to see Sanctum, The Eagle, I Am Number Four, or Hall Pass. There are probably only three films I'm truly pumped to see this February, and there's no guarantee that any of them will be good in the slightest. On the other hand, both The Rite and The Mechanic have been getting slightly good reviews, so maybe things aren't as bad as they seem.

#3.

"Unknown"
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra

It's never a bad thing to release an action-thriller starring Liam Neeson early in the year. The man makes films playing these normal sorts of characters that turn out to be total bad-asses. He proved that with Taken, and it's impossible to tell if his latest thriller will be anything like that in terms of entertainment. It also has Frank Langella, January Jones and Diane Kruger taking supporting roles, so I'm in the seat on opening night, no questions asked. Why isn't this film higher up on my list? Because you know it's never going to be as awesome as it seems from the trailer. There is always going to be some corny plot twist ruining the entire thing, which happened with The Tourist (among other things), or the script is just not going to be entertaining. That's the constant fear for any film, but I'm willing to take the risk for Unknown.

#2.

"Cedar Rapids"
Directed by Miguel Arteta

I am ever puzzled by my own choices for what I'm most anticipating this month, because somehow a quirky and raunchy comedy using a storyline we've probably already seen before is making its way to second place. It might just be because the film is playing at Sundance, but I feel like there's a bit of indie classiness attached to this film. It features Ed Helms in the main role, which I always take as good thing because Helms isn't really known for leading man status. He's known as that guy from The Office or part of the ensemble cast of The Hangover. He doesn't need to be any more popular than that, and that makes this project a little more endearing. Besides, it just looks like a more entertaining film than your average pathetic comedy.

#1.

"The Other Woman"
Directed by Don Roos

The second film in Natalie Portman's post-Black Swan victory lap finds its way to the top spot on my list, perhaps because I so immensely trust the actress after what she's given us. It's a peculiar series of films she's got releasing between now and June. The ones that people are most aware of are obviously Thor and Your Highness, but the personal nature of The Other Woman really hits me. It's probably not going to be anything special, and I'm preparing myself for that possibility. The film was originally called Love & Other Impossible Pursuits, and that was only changed because of Love and Other Drugs. I trust this one to tread on a steadier emotional string than the Jake Gyllenhaal rom-com. The fact of the matter is that I think this could be another strong showcase for Portman's acting capabilities, and probably the only this year. If the film holds up, all the better.