The 2003 Fall and Winter Film Preview
© Jason O'Brien
Yes, indeed, the quality of movies is switching over from the bombastic, mindless action films of the summer to the better films we usually associate with this time of year.
I previewed the films coming out this month and next month in my last article. This week it's time to conclude my 2003 Fall and Winter Film Preview by looking at the films to be released in the final two months of the year, November and December. We have a number of serious Oscar-contending films and big-budget blockbusters coming out. It should be an exciting finish to the year. And, as usual, I'll handicap their Oscar chances. Again, keep in mind that release dates are subject to change.
So let's begin with November. One of the biggest productions gaining a lot of buzz is the epic swashbuckling high-seas adventure film, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, which stars Russell Crowe. It's a story about the 19th-century British Navy, based on the popular Patrick O'Brien novels. Respected director Peter Wier directs the film, and, on the surface, one might think that this would be the ideal kind of epic film to which the Academy would respond. But I have a feeling it will be more swashbuckling adventure than serious drama, and will likely do better as a successful box office draw than real Academy favorite. Of course, Russell Crowe can't be ignored as an Oscar possibility, as he always delivers a first-class performance. We'll just have to see how this one plays out and how it's received. But it's definitely a movie to see.
Kids will have a number of interesting possibilities for films in November. Jon Favreau directs Saturday Night Live alumni Will Ferrell in his first real leading role in Elf, a Christmas-themed story about a larger than life toymaker who journeys from the North Pole to Manhattan. The premise alone makes for some promising comic possibilities. The film co-stars James Caan and Bob Newhart. This past summer's Pirates of the Caribbean showed that a Disney theme park ride could become a successful motion picture. The Disney company will no doubt hope for the same success when another popular theme park attraction becomes a major motion picture in November. Eddie Murphy will headline The Haunted Mansion. Murphy hopes it will generates some Pirates of the Caribbean kind of success. He needs a big hit. Finally, for the kids, Bugs Bunny and the popular Warner Bros. gang of animated characters returns to the big screen in Looney Tunes: Back in Action. Roger Rabbit-like characters mix with live characters, played by Brendan Fraser, Jenna Elfman, Heather Locklear, and others.
