1. The Warrior’s Way (Relativity, 1,622 Theaters, 100 Minutes, Rated R): I live outside of New York City, and I have heard nothing of this film. No print ads, no TV commercials, nothing. And if there was ever a market that should see some advertising, it’s mine. So, you probably wouldn’t be in the wrong if you thought that there wasn’t going to be any film released this week.
The film details an Asian assassin, who goes on the run after failing to complete an assignment (to be fair, the assignment was killing a baby). He hides out in a town in the American west populated by circus folk. But this only provides a temporary haven as his clan catches up with him to mete out punishment.
This “East-meets-Old-West” story has been done before , from 1971’s Red Sun to the more recent Shanghai Noon and Shanghai Knights. But if you are fans of these kinds of films, well, here you go.
Even though it features Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush in its cast, I’d be very surprised if The Warrior’s Way gets any Oscar nomination. However there are several films in limited release that might have a shot.
All Good Things (Magnolia, 2 Theaters, 101 Minutes, Rated R) seems to be a conventional pot-boiler of a thriller, and it has been on the shelf for over a year, but it does star recent Oscar nominees Ryan Gosling and Frank Langella. If the material rises above expectations, they might get a nod.
Black Swan (Fox Searchlight, 18 Theaters, 107 Minutes, Rated R) has been getting a lot of buzz, mostly for the kiss between Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis. But it also has been getting some great reviews and Portman has gotten strong notices. If everything they say about this film is true, then I can’t see it being ignored come Oscar time.
I Love You Phillip Morris (Roadside Attractions, 6 Theaters, 100 Minutes, Rated R): Is controversial. But it’s gay love story meets crime caper has about an equal chance of alienating the Academy and, if done right, getting some Oscar attention.
