THE ARTIST AND THE MODEL
Release Date: August 2, 2013
What it’s about: In 1943 occupied France, a beautiful young refugee changes the life of a famous sculptor.
What it’s got working for it: Great reviews.
What’s it’s got going against it: Potentially painfully pretentious.
EUROPA REPORT
Release Date: August 2, 2013
What it’s about: A manned mission to Jupiter’s moon makes an astounding discovery on Europa.
What it’s got working for it: It’s scifi and we all love scifi, right? Also I09 seems to like it.
What’s it’s got going against it: Looks like a big screen version of Defying Gravity.
OUR CHILDREN
Release Date: August 2, 2013
What it’s about: A young couple become all too dependent on the generosity of their lodger, an elderly doctor.
What it’s got working for it: These types of slow burns tend to surprise.
What’s it’s got going against it: But just as often do not.
THE SPECTACULAR NOW
Release Date: August 2, 2013
What it’s about: A high school Romeo falls for a “good girl”.
What it’s got working for it: Sundance winner for acting.
What’s it’s got going against it: Feels a little precious.
BLOOD
Release Date: August 9, 2013
What it’s about: Two detectives, brothers, must cover their tracks when an interrogation goes too far.
What it’s got working for it: A great cast that includes Paul Bettany, Mark Strong, and Stephen Graham (Boardwalk Empire’s Al Capone).
What’s it’s got going against it: Looks very grim, bleak.
I GIVE IT A YEAR
Release Date: August 9, 2013
What it’s about: An likely couple approach their one year anniversary. But will they make it?
What it’s got working for it: A funny and promising-looking trailer.
What’s it’s got going against it: Rom Coms, British or otherwise, never quite leave a lasting impression.
OFF LABEL
Release Date: August 9, 2013
What it’s about: A documentary about Big Pharma and our over-medicated society.
What it’s got working for it: Interesting and important subject matter.
What’s it’s got going against it: Looks depressing. Luckily, there are pills for that.
AIN’T THEM BODIES SAINTS
Release Date: August 16, 2013
What it’s about: A criminal takes the rap for his girlfriend then, four years later, busts out of prison and looks to reunite.
What it’s got working for it: I quite like Casey Affleck’s work.
What’s it’s got going against it: The annoyingly nonsensical title.
THE GRANDMASTER
Release Date: August 23, 2013
What it’s about: An epic actioner based on the life of legendary kung fu master Ip Man.
What it’s got working for it: Director Wong Kar Wai’s films are gorgeous.
What’s it’s got going against it: But can be frustratingly esoteric as well.
SAVANNAH
Release Date: August 23, 2013
What it’s about: The story of romantic rebel Ward Allen who turned his back on his plantation heritage in favor of a life on the river with his friend, a freed slave.
What it’s got working for it: Looks like a sumptuous period piece.
What’s it’s got going against it: Huh? Is that the voice of Kenneth the Page from 30 Rock at around 59 seconds into the trailer?
10 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE
Release Date: August 30, 2013
What it’s about: A corporate whodunit in which each death is foretold by a sinister power point presentation.
What it’s got working for it: Could be a terrific dark comedy.
What’s it’s got going against it: Or it could just be incredibly dumb. The fact that the trailer refuses to tell us anything about the actual movie speaks volumes.
So, what looks good? What doesn’t?
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