Movies This Week: January 29, 2010

Saint John Of Las Vegas

John (Steve Buschemi) is full of luck, unfortunately, most of it is bad luck. John likes to gamble, but his substantial losses eventually lead him to reform, and settle into a mundane life working for an insurance company. One day John decides to ask his boss, Peter Dinklage (The “little Person” from Elf, Prince Caspian), for a raise, and is promoted to the fraud department . John and his new fraud investigator partner, Virgil, played by Romany Malco (Weeds, Blades of Glory), are sent to Vegas to investigate a case, which is a nightmare for John, since its a place where he has had some very bad, dignity losing experiences. When in Vegas, the two investigators encounter all manner of crazy people, including, a man who is stuck in a flame retardant suit that constantly catches fire, an injured stripper in a wheelchair who still tries to perform lap-dances, a truck driver who moonlights as a circus performer, and a group of armed survivalists who also happen to be nudists!

Packed full of well known faces, including foul mouthed stand up Sarah Silverman (Remember her in Evolution?), Harold and Kumar and Star Trek star, John Cho, and not to mention the insanely hot, Sloan from Entourage, Emmanuella Chiriqui playing the part of Tasty D Lite.  This is director/writer, Hue Rhodes first big production, and he has some awesome backing with Spike Lee executive producing, as well as the films premiere kicking off the 11th annual Cinevegas film festival.

Check Out the Trailer Here!

Also at the movies this week:

Edge Of Darkness

Directed by Martin Campbell of James Bond Fame (Casino Royale and Golden Eye), this is the remake of a 1985 British TV series of the same name.  Mel Gibson plays police detective Thomas Craven (good to see him on the right side of the law for a change!), who, after witnessing his daughters death at the hands of a mysterious gunman, opens his own vigilante investigation. Soon he discovers his daughter was an activist caught up in a political conspiracy, and with nothing to lose, attempts to take down the people responsible. This is Mel’s first lead role since the 2002 Sci fi flick, Signs (Swing Away!), and accompanying him is Ray Winstone (Beowulf, Sexy Beast), Danny Huston (30 days of Night, Wolverine), and Dennis O’Hare (Quarantine, Changeling). Winstone’s part was originally to be play by Bobby De Niro, but he pulled out after having some creative differences.(You talkin to me?!)

Watch the trailer for Edge Of Darkness Here!

When in Rome

Beth (Kristin Bell) is a young, successful, art curator from New York, who travels to Rome to be maid of honor at her sisters unexpected wedding. Beth has had no luck with relationships, and while in Rome visits a fountain of love, where she decides to take several of the coins. Unaware of the consequences of her actions, she heads home, pursued by several would be suitors, including one she’s actually interested in! (Josh Duhamel from Transformers 1 & 2) Written and directed by Mark Steven Johnson (Ghost Rider, Daredevil, Grumpy Old Men) with appearances by Angelica Houston and Danny Devito. No Arnie unfortunately!

Watch the trailer for When In Rome Here!

North Face (Nordwand)

Set in 1936, Nazi propaganda encourages two climbers to conquer the most dangerous rock face in the Alps, known as the Murder Wall, to show the superiority of the Aryan race. The climbers, played by Benno Furman and Florian Lukas, race to the top, closely followed by another two Australian alpinists, but when nature starts to get the better of the teams, it becomes a struggle to survive. Based on a true story, this  film was originally released in 2008 and received several awards and nominations in its home country, Germany. . .so based upon the critical acclaim and the awards, odds are it’s a real cure for insomnia – but real racists falling off the face of a mountain , Now That’s a Party! Aaaaah!

Watch the trailer for North Face!