Releases 03/03

Opening in Australian cinemas today we have four new releases:

The Adjustment Bureau: Written and directed by George Nolfi, and starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, The Adjustment Bureau is a romanctic thriller that tells the strange story of David Norris (Damon), a charismatic New York politician running for the United States Senate. He is approached one day by the Adjustment Bureau, a mysterious team of operatives that declare he must direct his own life according to a specific plan drawn up by them, or risk being 'reset' (lobotomised?). Having just met the woman of his dreams (Emily Blunt), and wishing to abandon the life chosen by the Bureau, he seeks her down, placing both of their lives in danger. Strong early reports suggest that this is a genuinely exciting thriller that will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat. The likable leads should be enough to draw solid numbers at the box office.

Hall Pass: The latest Farrelly Brothers (There's Something About Mary) outing sounds horrendous. Rick (Owen Wilson) and Fred (Jason Sudeikis) are best friends who have both found trouble in their respective marriages. When the two begin to show signs of restlessness at home, their wives (Jenna Fischer, Christina Applegate) take a bold approach to revitalizing their marriages: granting them a "hall pass," one week of freedom to do whatever they want...no questions asked. This will be one of many gross-out buddy comedies released this year that display the perpetual immaturity of the American male, and I'm sure it won't be the funniest (sitting on 36% at RT). Still, renowned Australian model turned actress, Nicky Whelan has a small topless cameo, which could make it almost worth it. But I say PASS.

Wasted on the Young: Don't know too much about it. It's an Australian film starring Alex Russell and Oliver Ackland as step brothers who reach conflict after the drugging and assault of a school colleague at a wild party. Could be worth a look if you wish to support the local industry.

The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest: The final installment in the well-received Millennium trilogy, the adapted Swedish features from Stieg Larsson's acclaimed novels. I have heard that this is a dull and uneven final chapter that fails to capture the same chemistry between the leads as the first two did. If this is the case, I'm not sure I'll make it through. I have also seen the film called 'The Best Thriller of the Decade', which seems to be ridiculously high praise. If you are a fan of the novels, and have seen and enjoyed the first two films in the series, you will want to check out how it all culminates. If not, I wouldn't bother.

So, there you are. A quick rundown of this week's releases. I'll likely check out The Adjustment Bureau and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest if I can fit them in over the weekend!