Genre Films 2000: A Preview of Things To Come

By: Steve Biodrowski
Date: Thursday, January 27, 2000

Science fiction, fantasy, and horror are big business. If there were any doubt, the box office grosses of last year's genre films put it to rest. So the major Hollywood studios, along with the mini-majors and the independents, will be offering up a slew of films designed to cash in on the tastes of fans who made films like THE SIXTH SENSE and THE MATRIX such sleeper successes. In our never-ending battle to help you, the ticket-buying viewer, keep track of the myriad choices being thrown at you, we offer this preview of Genre Films for the Year 2000. Keep in mind: many of these titles are only tentatively scheduled for release; some haven't even gone before the cameras. But all of them are hoping for a shot at separating you from your hard-earned money. Below, we give you a run down of what to expect, including our rating on a scale of 1 to 10 of how eagerly we are anticipating the release, plus our prediction for the film's chances for a box office bonanza.

JUST AROUND THE CORNER

PITCH BLACK (USA): A spaceship crashlands on an arid, apparently lifeless planet. Sad for the survivors, a rare alignment of the planet's suns is about to send the world into darkness, allowing ravenous, dark-dwelling underground inhabitants to rise to the surface and look for food. Vin Diesel (voice of THE IRON GIANT) stars as the homicidal convict whose survival instincts are suddenly very valuable to the rest of the crew. Not a bad genre premise, but BATS showed you need something more than just a flock of ravenous flying monstes to sell a movie to today's viewers. Anticipation scale: 6. Box office: fair at best, but should make its money back on video.



SCREAM 3 (Dimension): Creator Kevin Williamson took a pass on writing the script, but director Wes Craven is back to wrap up the third-part of the trilogy. Do you really think Dimension will let the franchise die if this one racks up another $100-million at the box office? The cast includes Parker Posey, Neve Campbell, and newlyweds David and Courteney Cox Arquette. Craven knows how to do this kind of thing, but the franchise was always overrated, and the idea is wearing thin. Anticipation scale: 1. Box office: another hit, god help us.



THE TIGGER MOVIE (Walt Disney): Tigger sets out to find his family in this feature-length animated adventure. Wait a minute: didn't Tigger used to sing that one of the wonderful things about Tiggers is that 'I'm the only one'? The Winnie the Poo characters have a certain enduring charm, but a feature length film might not be the best place for them. Anticipation scale: 5. Box office: blockbuster family fare.



IN TIME FOR SPRING

AMERICAN PSYCHO (Lions Gate): Brett Easton Ellis' notorious novel finally reaches the big screen, with the titular character embodied by Christian Bale. Mary Harmon directed, from a screenplay she co-wrote. Curiosity has got to drive at least some viewers to see how they pulled this off. Anticipation scale: 4. Box office: art house success, but a mainstream breakout is doubtful.



THE BIG BLUE (Samuel Goldwyn Films): Before he hit it big (with LA FEMME NIKITA and THE FIFTH ELEMENT), writer-director Luc Besson crafted this enigmatic drama about a mysterious diver. Not exactly fantasy, but definitely mystical in tone. Stars Jean-Marc Barr, Rosanna Arquette, and Jean Reno (GODZILLA). This is the director's cut of the film, originally releasedin 1988. The film was at least interesting the first time around, but knowing Besson, it's doubtful that his director's cut will be any more coherent. Anticipation scale: 6. Box office: fair returns in exclusive engagements.



BLESS THIS CHILD (Paramount): Kim Bassinger braves evil forces in the search for her abducted niece, with the help of Jimmy Smits as an investigator of the paranormal. Sounds more than a little generic, although the leads may attract some attention to the project. Anticipation level: 6. Box office: moderate at best.

THE DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISIE. (Rialto Pictures): Cinematic surrealist Luis Bunuel's 1972 masterpiece returns to theatres in a restored print. A group of bourgeois characters find themselves trapped in dreams-within-dreams, many played for satirical laughs, but you don't want to miss Bloody Sergeant's Night-a nice creepy sequence that emerges halfway through. Art house audiences have enjoyed the film for years, and this is a nice excuse to see it again. Anticipation level: 8. Box office: good art house returns.



FINAL DESTINATION (New Line): Former X-FILES producer-writer James Wong directs this spooky outing: a group of teens avoid a fatal plane crash thanks to a premonition experienced by one of them. Unfortunately, you can't cheat death, which still wants to claim them. Interesting idea, but it will take slick execution to make this something more than standard directo-to-video fare. Anticipation scale: 5. Box office: may turn a profit on a modest investment.



FREQUENCY (New Line): Gregory Hoblit (PRIMAL FEAR) directs this suspense thriller with supernatural overtones: a man tries to discover his mother's killer, with help from communications from his dead father. A nice high concept, and Hoblit can deliver the goods to viewers. Anticipation level: 7. Box office: potential hit.



HAMLET (Miramax): Ethan Hawke stars as the Melancholy Dane in this Shakespearian adaptation from director Michael Almereyda (NADJA), set in contemporary New York. Of course, you're asking why we include this in Fandom. Well, don't forget about the ghost of Hamlet's father. The story's been done before, and the modern setting isn't that intriguing, but Almereyda does have talent. Anticipation scale: 6. Box office: don't expect ROMEO & JULIET.



MISSION TO MARS (Touchstone). Brian DePalma abandons the Hitchcock homage in this science fiction adventure with visual imagery reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. It seems that intelligent life (or at least its remnants) lurks beneath the surface of Mars. Gary Sinise, Jerry O'Connel, Tim Robins, and Don Cheadle star. DePalma has always been an interesting, if erratic filmmaker; this could provide the platform he needs to do some spectacular work. Anticpation level: 8. Box office: solid if unspectacular.



THE NINTH GATE (Artisan Entertainment): Johnny Depp plays an expert at tracking down rare books. Frank Langella is a bibliophile who hires him to find the last volume in a set of rare occult texts that contain a formula for opening the Gates of Hell. (Lucio Fulci should sue, but he's dead.) Problem is: the books may be the genuine article. A welcome return to Satanic subject matter for director Roman Polanski (ROSEMARY'S BABY). Anticipation scale: 10. Box office: won't be another BLAIR WITCH but this niche pic should draw auds based on the director's name, and Depp offers potential for wider engagements.



THE ROAD TO EL DORADO (DreamWorks): Bolstered by the success of PRINCE OF EGYPT, Jeffrey Katzenberg launches another salvo against the Mouse House (where he used to work). Kevin Kline and Kenneth Branagh lend their voices to the animated characters, and the music and songs come courtesy of the trio behind THE LION KING: Elton John, Tim Rice, and Hanz Zimmer. This animated musical thing is getting a bit tired, but parents have to take their kids to see something. Anticipation scale: 6. Box office: possible blockbuster.

SUNSET BOULEVARD (USA): A new 35mm print of this classic will tour calendar houses in honor of the film's 50th anniversary. Strangely, few people realize that Billy Wilder's scathing portrait of Hollywood has-beens and wannabes is secretly a horror film in drag. William Holden ends up in an old, dark house when his car breaks down, and finds himself in the realm of Gloria Swanson, a fading former silent movie star whose every gesture suggests a vampire hoping to feed off the youth of her young guest. Like Dracula's Daughter, she even has a sinister assistant in the form of Eric Von Stroheim. We've seen it before, but it's worth seeing again. Anticipation scale: 8. Box office: token returns leading to a video-DVD release.


WHAT PLANET ARE YOU FROM? (Columbia): Garry Shandling plays an alien sent to Earth to father a child with Annette Benning. Mike Nichols (WOLF) directs. The combo of talents could reach critical mass, even if the idea sounds like exactly what is is: a recycling of MARS NEEDS WOMEN and other high-concept exploitating films. Anticipation scale: 6. Box office: could be big, thanks to the comedy elements.



THE WISDOM OF CROCODILES ( Miramax): Jude Law stars as a mysterious seducer who targets the beautiful Elina Lownesohn (NADJA) in this art-house vampire movie. Law's appearance in THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY may boost this one into a more high profile category. Anticipation scale: 9. Box office: another niche pic that could find an appreciative audience.

X (Manga): In this anime adventure from Rintaro (director of ASTRO BOY and KIMBA THE WHITE LION), the fate of the universe at the turn of the millennium rests on the shoulders of one young man, who must destroy either the Dragons of Earth or the Dragons of Heaven (two opposing armies) to bring an end to their devastating conflict. If it's anime, we're there! Anticipation level: 7. Box office: strictly art house level.


SUMMER


THE ADVENTURES OF ROCKY AND BULLWINKLE (Universal): Robert DeNiro stars in this adaptation of the famous cartoon characters, filmed with a combination of live-action and computer-generated imagery. Jason Alexander and Rene Russo are also on hand as Boris and Natasha. Des McAnuff (who brought The Who's TOMMY to the stage) directed. Anticipation scale: 9. Box office: It's gotta be big, whatever the film's quality.



BATTLEFIELD EARTH (WB): Card-carrying Scientologist John Travolta (doing double duty as producer and star) brings his idol L. Ron Hubbard's book to the big screen. Roger Christian (the art director on ALIEN, who later turned to directing) helms the big-budget film. Travolta is usually a surefire hit in action rolls, but will his audience follow him into the future? Anticipation scale: 5. Box office: big.



BEDAZZLED. Brendan Fraser (THE MUMMY) stars in this remake of the wonderful Peter Cook-Dudley Moore comedy. Co-writer Harold Ramis (GHOSTBUSTERS) directs the story of a man who makes a deal with the Devil in the hopes of learning how to win the love of a woman. Some good talent is involved, but it's hard to see how they will top the original. Anticipation scale: 6. Box office: big, thanks to Fraser, who's now a major star.



CHICKEN RUN (DreamWorks): Oscar-winning stop-motion director Nick Park teams up with Oscar-nominated stop-motion director Peter Lord to film their first feature-length motion picture, about chickens who hatch a plan to fly the coup before the ax can fall. Mel Gibson and Miranda Richardson (SLEEPY HOLLOW) head the voice cast. This could be the biggest thing for stop-motion since NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS.Anticipation scale: 9. Box office: perhaps the first stop-motion film to suprass $100-million.



DINOSAUR (Disney): So you're tired of movies like THE LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK, which combine useless human characters with dinosaurs? Well, this should be your cup of tea! An all CGI animated epic that tells the tale of a dinosaur, snatched from its mother while still an egg, who is befriended by a small mammal. The trailer (seen before TOY STORY 2) is breathtaking in and of itself. Once you've seen it, you can barely wait for the movie. Anticipation scale: 10. Box office: absolute blockbuster (or there is no God).



THE FLINTSONES IN VIVA ROCK VEGAS (Universal): The old cast is out in this prequel showing the early days of the courtship between Fred (Marc Addy) and Wilma (Kristen Johnston). Stephen Baldwin and Jane Krakowski co-star as Barney and Betty Rubble. The first film made money, but it wasn't any good; there's little reason to expect improvement. Anticipation scale: 1. Box office: recasting won't bring back the crowds who made the first film a blockbuster.



THE HOLLOW MAN (Columbia): Kevin Bacon plays a voyeuristic scientist working in a secret military lab to discover a method for invisibility. When he achieves his goal, he goes mad with the newfound power it bestows upon him, and his fellow scientists must find a way to stop him. Paul Verhoeven directs. This sounds like a success, if Verhoeven doesn't push things too far beyond the range of mass audience acceptance. Anticipation scale: 8. Box office: should reach the $100-million dollar mark.



MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 2 (Paramount): Tom Cruise returns in the sequel to the blockbuster hit from 1996. Also returning is scripter Robert Towne, while action genius John Woo takes over the directing reigns from Brian DePalma. This sounds like fun, but there have been reports of production problems that slightly dampen our enthusiasm. Anticipation scale: 8. Box office: $150-million.



NUTTY PROFESSOR 2: THE KLUMPS (Universal): Eddie Murphy returns as the overweight professor and his evil alter ego. This time, the plot revolves around a youth serum invented by Professor Klump's fiancee (Janet Jackson). The first film had its funny moment, but not nearly enough to justify the runaway success. Anticipation scale: 1. Box office: standard sequel returns, i.e., two-thirds of the original's $100-million.



POKEMON 2 (WB): Eager to cash in while the property is still hot, Warner Bros. rushes out the sequel to POKEMON: THE FIRST MOVIE. The first film was actually not as bad as expected, but parents still might not want to sit through another one so soon. Still, the phenomenon hasn't quite peaked yet. Anticipation scale: 8. Box office: at least $50-million.



RED PLANET (WB): The allure of Mars is irresistible this year, as this is the second studio movie based on a trip to the angry red planet. Val Kilmer and Terence Stamp star. Has some stars we enjoy watching, but needs more distinctive identity to draw crowds who will have already seen MISSION TO MARS. Anticipation scale: 5. Box office: fair-to-moderate.



SPACE COWBOYS (WB): Clint Eastwood directs and stars in this science fiction film about ancient astronauts. No, not gods from outer space who built the pyramids-some retired spaceman called back into service because they're the only ones with the experience to handle an unforeseen emergency. Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, and Courtney B. Vance co-star. Clint Eastwood keeps bouncing back, and the story is timely, thanks go John Glen. Anticipation scale: 7. Box office: solid.



THOMAS AND THE MAGIC RAILROAD (Destination Films) summer. Alec Baldwin and Peter Fonda star in this family adventure, based on a series of children's books about Thomas the Tank Engine. Anticipation scale: 3. Box office: forget about it!



TITAN A.E. (Fox): In this animated science fiction film, Earth is obliterated and what's left of the human race is adrift in space, wandering nomads searching for a home. Matt Damon supplies the voice for the hero who may help them in this quest. Fox had a solid animated hit with ANASTASIA, and this film may continue the trend . Anticpation scale: 7. Box office: $50-million.



WHAT LIES BENEATH (DreamWorks): Michaell Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford star in this supernatural thriller for director Robert Zemeckis (CONTACT). Teaming of two big stars should draw in the crowds. Anticipation scale: 7. Box office: $80-million.



UNTITLED BRUCE WILLIS-JON TURTLETAUB PROJECT (Walt Disney): In this time travel comedy, a ten-year-old travels into the future to meet his grown-up self, played by Bruce Willis. Willis is hot again, thanks to SIXTH SENSE, and the premise is nothing if not high concept. Anticipation scale: 8. Box office: should be success, when the final totals are in.



X-MEN (Fox) summer. An all-star cast lines up to play the leads in this live action adaptation of the comic book superheroes. Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen (GODS AND MONSTERS), Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, and Famke Janssen (HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL) head the cast. Bryan Singer directed from a script by Ed Solomon (MEN IN BLACK), Joss Whedon (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER), Christopher McQuarrie, David Hayter, and Singer, but don't expect to see all those names in the final credits. A great cast, but all those writers make you wonder what kind of shape the script will be in. Anticipation scale: 6. Box office: fair chance for success, but superhero adaptations are dicey.




FALL/HOLLIDAY



THE BLAIR WITCH SEQUEL (Artisan). You knew it was inevitable. Documentary director Joe Berlinger takes over the helm, under the supervision of the original film's writer-directors, Eduardo Sanchez and Daniel Myrick, who serve as executive producers this time. Anticipation scale: 2. Box office: it's got to turn a profit on the investment, but don't expect lightening to strike twice.



DR. SUESS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (Universal). Funnyman Jim Carrey stars as the Grinch in this live-action remake of the animated cartoon. Anticipation scale: 6. Box office: big--you can't go wrong with remaking baby-boomer properties.



FROM HELL (Fox) The Hughes Brothers (MENACE II SOCIETY) are putting together this take on the crimes of Jack the Ripper, its title taken from one of Saucy Jack's taunting letters to Scotland Yard. This might catch on if handled well (which we would expect from the Hughes Brothers), but the unsavory subject matter could scare away the squeamish. Anticipation scale: 5. Box office: moderate.



KINGDOM IN THE SUN (Walt Disney) Another animated musical from the Mouse House, this one featuring songs by Sting. David Spade, John Goodman, and Eartha Kitt provide voices for this adventure set in a mythical version of South America. Disney is usually best when dealing with familiar fairy tales; this sounds a little non-descript. Anticipation scale: 3. Box office: guaranteed to make $100-million, but won't swing past TARZAN.



LOST SOULS (New Line). Winona Ryder stars as a woman who uncovers a conspiracy to allow Satan to walk the Earth in human form. This supernatural thriller, the first from actress Meg Ryan's new production company, was delayed from a scheduled release last year, presumably to avoid head-on competition with END OF DAYS. Cinematographer Januz Kaminski (SCHINDLER'S LIST) steps into the director's chair. Some solid talent at work, but the year is crowded with similarly-themed thrillers. Anticpation scale: 5. Box office: moderate.



MONKEYBONE (Fox). It's the Secret Life of Walter Mitty-on Acid! Brendan Fraser (GODS AND MONSTERS) is a cartoonist who goes back and forth between reality and a fantasy world of his own creation (rendered in stop-motion). Henry Selick directs. Bridget Fonda (LAKE PLACID), Whoopi Goldberg (GHOST), and Chris Kattan (HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL) co-star. Selick hit big with TIM BURTON'S A NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, then choked with JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH. Fraser can draw in the audience (THE MUMMY) or not (DUDLEY DO-RIGHT). Anticipation scale: 8. Box office: hopefully, a hit that will allow Selick to continue making stop-motion features..



RUGRATS IN PARIS-THE MOVIE (Paramount) As if the first one weren't enough, here comes the sequel. But parents have to take their kids to see something! Anticipation scale: 1. Box office: approximately $70-million.



SHADOW OF THE VAMPIRE (Lions Gate). Well, in 1998 Lions Gate brought us GODS AND MONSTERS, the fictionalized story of James Whale, the gay director of FRANKENSTEIN. So of course now we need to see the fictionalized story of F.W. Murnau, the gay director of NOSFERATU. John Malkovich plays Murnau; Willem Dafoe plays actor Max Shrek, who starred as the silent screen vampire Graf Orlock (alias Count Dracula). Anticipation scale: 8. Box office: can't imagine Murnau's a bigger draw than Whale, so this should do about what GODS AND MONSTERS did (but don't expect an Oscar win).



SOUL SURVIVORS (Artisan) Yet another supernatural thriller about people who survive a deadly accident, only to realize that Death is not cheated so easily. Wes Bentley, Casey Affleck, and Luke Wilson star. Anticipation scale: 5. Box office: mild, but possilby profitable, considering the moderate above-the-line costs.



UNBREAKABLE (Touchstone) Bruce Willis stars as a man miraculously unharmed in a train wreck. Samuel L. Jackson co-stars as the man who thinks he knows why. It all sounds very similar to both SOUL SURVIVORS and FINAL DESTINATION. On the other hand, those two films weren't written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the genius behind THE SIXTH SENSE. Anticipation scale: 6. Box office: good, if audiences aren't tired of the idea by this time.



URBAN LEGEND SEQUEL (Columbia) These SCREAM wannabes have seen steadily diminishing box office returns, and after BLAIR WITCH and SIXTH SENSE, one wonders if the comedy-horror thing isn't dead in the water, but who knows? The cast for this new film includes Jessica Cauffiel, Anson Mount, and Eva Mendes. The first film squeaked past $40-million; this won't won't match that. Anticipation scale: 1. Box office: about $30-million.