Volume 5, Issue 2 University of Houston
Potential award winners headline
weekend releases
By Geronimo Rodriguez
Breaking News
The ticket line begins today for none other than The Two Towers, the latest installment of the Lord of the Rings.
Getting all the perks of an anticipated blockbuster, Two Towers was released at midnight Wednesday, giving J.R.R. Tolkien fans a chance to gather by the masses for one of the screen's most anticipated moments.
Martin Scorsese brings gangs of different sorts to the screen with the dramatic Gangs of New York. The period piece stars the Oscar-winning Daniel Day-Lewis and the elusive Leonardo DiCaprio.
Photo courtesy of Miramax Films
Starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellan and Viggo Mortensen and directed by Peter Jackson, the sequel follows Frodo and his companions' quest to destroy the ring.
The only competition Two Towers faces comes in the form of Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York, and given the amount of praise both films have received even before their releases, the movies might also be competing for gold statutes early next year.
Scorsese's film tells the story of a corrupt Manhattan, run by Italian and Irish gangs. With a brilliant effort in the role of Bill the Butcher, Daniel Day-Lewis is said to eclipse other efforts from the all-star cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz.
In an interview on The Late Show with David Letterman, Scorsese said for about 20 or 30 years he has wanted to relay into film the birth of the city in which he grew up.
Making his directorial debut this weekend with Antwone Fisher, Denzel Washington leads newcomer Derek Luke through a true story about a sailor who has a problem controlling his anger.
Washington, who also stars, and Luke have earned much praise from critics. The movie premiered in September at the Toronto Film Festival.
It would be nice to think Washington's film could contend with Two Towers or Gangs, but unless Washington's many fans pass up Scorsese's latest, the film will find modest financial success in its debut.
Wait a few weeks for audiences to weed out the blockbusters from the gems and Antwone Fisher should rise in the ranks.
Rounding out the weekend releases, Sandra Bullock revisits the screen with Two Weeks Notice. Bullock, who has been successful in taking on romantic comedies, brings Hugh Grant along for the ride.
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