Anchor ads are not supported on this page.

4S Ranch Allied Gardens Alpine Baja Balboa Park Bankers Hill Barrio Logan Bay Ho Bay Park Black Mountain Ranch Blossom Valley Bonita Bonsall Borrego Springs Boulevard Campo Cardiff-by-the-Sea Carlsbad Carmel Mountain Carmel Valley Chollas View Chula Vista City College City Heights Clairemont College Area Coronado CSU San Marcos Cuyamaca College Del Cerro Del Mar Descanso Downtown San Diego Eastlake East Village El Cajon Emerald Hills Encanto Encinitas Escondido Fallbrook Fletcher Hills Golden Hill Grant Hill Grantville Grossmont College Guatay Harbor Island Hillcrest Imperial Beach Imperial Valley Jacumba Jamacha-Lomita Jamul Julian Kearny Mesa Kensington La Jolla Lakeside La Mesa Lemon Grove Leucadia Liberty Station Lincoln Acres Lincoln Park Linda Vista Little Italy Logan Heights Mesa College Midway District MiraCosta College Miramar Miramar College Mira Mesa Mission Beach Mission Hills Mission Valley Mountain View Mount Hope Mount Laguna National City Nestor Normal Heights North Park Oak Park Ocean Beach Oceanside Old Town Otay Mesa Pacific Beach Pala Palomar College Palomar Mountain Paradise Hills Pauma Valley Pine Valley Point Loma Point Loma Nazarene Potrero Poway Rainbow Ramona Rancho Bernardo Rancho Penasquitos Rancho San Diego Rancho Santa Fe Rolando San Carlos San Marcos San Onofre Santa Ysabel Santee San Ysidro Scripps Ranch SDSU Serra Mesa Shelltown Shelter Island Sherman Heights Skyline Solana Beach Sorrento Valley Southcrest South Park Southwestern College Spring Valley Stockton Talmadge Temecula Tierrasanta Tijuana UCSD University City University Heights USD Valencia Park Valley Center Vista Warner Springs

The unforgettable Unforgettable?

New movie releases this week include Katherine Heigl’s return to the big screen, plus The Promise, Truman, and more

Unforgettable: Remember Katherine Heigl?
Unforgettable: Remember Katherine Heigl?
Movie

Unforgettable ***

thumbnail

It’s been two years since Katherine Heigl has appeared in a movie. Imagine my horror when, halfway through the trailer for <em>Unforgettable</em>, a warning voice began yelling in my ear: <em>Oh no... it can’t be... SOMEONE WENT AND BUDGETED ANOTHER KATHERINE HEIGL PICTURE!</em> But my horror was (somewhat) misplaced: the queen of failed romcoms here trades in her ill-fitting bridal gown for a more icy couture, and the shift into darkness makes for a good fit in this superior domestic thriller. It's more than just a typical possessive-ex revenge pic — with Heigl's mephitic villain and her even-better stalkee Rosario Dawson to thank. Great cinema? Get real! It’s a stalker picture starring an entitled TV actress on the skids. But for what it is, and in consideration of the expectations that accompanied me into the theatre, this was a hell of a lot better way to spend the afternoon than anticipated. This marks famed producer Denise Di Novi’s (<em>Heathers, Edward Scissorhands</em>) first time in the director’s chair.

Find showtimes

Have you forgotten that the Katherine Heigl crazy-ex thriller Unforgettable opens today? Probably not, because you probably never knew it in the first place. Hey-o! But here’s what’s really unforgettable: Scott Marks liked it. Full of surprises, that one. Oh, and here’s another surprise: he’s holding his review while he mulls over this shocking development, possibly in retaliation for the studios having failed to screen it in advance. We promise to keep you posted as to when it will post.

Movie

Promise ***

thumbnail

<em>The Promise</em> follows <em>The Ottoman Lieutenant</em> and <em>Queen of the Desert</em> as the third film in almost as many weeks set in the Ottoman Empire near the end of World War I. They saved the best for last. When the Turks learned that former studio head Kirk Kerkorian planned on turning Franz Werfel’s 1933 novel <em>The Forty Days of Musa Dagh</em> into a feature film, they threatened to interfere with the distribution of MGM’s films in Turkey. Additional pressure was put on the American government, and the project was shelved. But for whatever reason, Kerkorian could not go to his grave without this story being told onsceen. He signed a check for $100 million and insisted that all proceeds go to charity. The result is a sprawling, ‘60s-style epic with just enough political intrigue to prop up the occasionally wobbly romantic triangle formed by Oscar Isaac, Charlotte Le Bon, and an uncharacteristically ill-fitting Christian Bale. Terry George (<em>Reservation Road</em>) directs.

Find showtimes

Speaking of promises (it’s a slow week), Scott also liked The Promise, in part, no doubt, for its grab at epic grandeur. And maybe just a weensy bit for its good intentions. I, on the other hand, couldn’t sign on with The Lost City of Z’s grab at epic grandeur, in part because I couldn’t fathom its intentions toward its protagonist. It’s one thing to say a hero is complicated. It’s another to make him downright murky. Handsome as heck, though — both star and film. I had a little more regard for Mr. Gaga, which worked in some quiet criticism amid the adulation for a modern dance icon.

Sponsored
Sponsored

But enough about me. Scott’s very good week continued with Truman, an old-guys movie that cleared the unpleasant old-guy smell that last week’s Going in Style left in his cranial cavity. Only the derivative bang-bang antics of Free Fire disappointed. (Scorsese produced!)

Shame on us for missing Norman: the Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer. Apparently, now that China is financing Hollywood, it’s harder than ever for Richard Gere to find work. (I kinda liked Arbitrage.) And speaking of China, Disneynature — go ahead and let the terror of that brand identity sink in for a moment — went and hired a Chinese director for Born in China, then had the audacity to claim, “When you try to manufacture something, it’s sticky.” Heh. Anyway, we missed that one, too, sort of on purpose. Also the foodie doc In Search of Israeli Cuisine. Rough week.

Here's something you might be interested in.
Submit a free classified
or view all
Previous article

Gilbert Castellanos, Buddha Trixie, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Shane Hall, Brian Jones Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival

Grand Socials, gigs, and record releases in Del Mar, City Heights, Solana Beach, Little Italy, and Ocean Beach
Next Article

Will L.A. Times crowd out San Diego U-T at Riverside printing plant?

Will Toni Atkins stand back from anti-SDG&E initiative?
Unforgettable: Remember Katherine Heigl?
Unforgettable: Remember Katherine Heigl?
Movie

Unforgettable ***

thumbnail

It’s been two years since Katherine Heigl has appeared in a movie. Imagine my horror when, halfway through the trailer for <em>Unforgettable</em>, a warning voice began yelling in my ear: <em>Oh no... it can’t be... SOMEONE WENT AND BUDGETED ANOTHER KATHERINE HEIGL PICTURE!</em> But my horror was (somewhat) misplaced: the queen of failed romcoms here trades in her ill-fitting bridal gown for a more icy couture, and the shift into darkness makes for a good fit in this superior domestic thriller. It's more than just a typical possessive-ex revenge pic — with Heigl's mephitic villain and her even-better stalkee Rosario Dawson to thank. Great cinema? Get real! It’s a stalker picture starring an entitled TV actress on the skids. But for what it is, and in consideration of the expectations that accompanied me into the theatre, this was a hell of a lot better way to spend the afternoon than anticipated. This marks famed producer Denise Di Novi’s (<em>Heathers, Edward Scissorhands</em>) first time in the director’s chair.

Find showtimes

Have you forgotten that the Katherine Heigl crazy-ex thriller Unforgettable opens today? Probably not, because you probably never knew it in the first place. Hey-o! But here’s what’s really unforgettable: Scott Marks liked it. Full of surprises, that one. Oh, and here’s another surprise: he’s holding his review while he mulls over this shocking development, possibly in retaliation for the studios having failed to screen it in advance. We promise to keep you posted as to when it will post.

Movie

Promise ***

thumbnail

<em>The Promise</em> follows <em>The Ottoman Lieutenant</em> and <em>Queen of the Desert</em> as the third film in almost as many weeks set in the Ottoman Empire near the end of World War I. They saved the best for last. When the Turks learned that former studio head Kirk Kerkorian planned on turning Franz Werfel’s 1933 novel <em>The Forty Days of Musa Dagh</em> into a feature film, they threatened to interfere with the distribution of MGM’s films in Turkey. Additional pressure was put on the American government, and the project was shelved. But for whatever reason, Kerkorian could not go to his grave without this story being told onsceen. He signed a check for $100 million and insisted that all proceeds go to charity. The result is a sprawling, ‘60s-style epic with just enough political intrigue to prop up the occasionally wobbly romantic triangle formed by Oscar Isaac, Charlotte Le Bon, and an uncharacteristically ill-fitting Christian Bale. Terry George (<em>Reservation Road</em>) directs.

Find showtimes

Speaking of promises (it’s a slow week), Scott also liked The Promise, in part, no doubt, for its grab at epic grandeur. And maybe just a weensy bit for its good intentions. I, on the other hand, couldn’t sign on with The Lost City of Z’s grab at epic grandeur, in part because I couldn’t fathom its intentions toward its protagonist. It’s one thing to say a hero is complicated. It’s another to make him downright murky. Handsome as heck, though — both star and film. I had a little more regard for Mr. Gaga, which worked in some quiet criticism amid the adulation for a modern dance icon.

Sponsored
Sponsored

But enough about me. Scott’s very good week continued with Truman, an old-guys movie that cleared the unpleasant old-guy smell that last week’s Going in Style left in his cranial cavity. Only the derivative bang-bang antics of Free Fire disappointed. (Scorsese produced!)

Shame on us for missing Norman: the Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer. Apparently, now that China is financing Hollywood, it’s harder than ever for Richard Gere to find work. (I kinda liked Arbitrage.) And speaking of China, Disneynature — go ahead and let the terror of that brand identity sink in for a moment — went and hired a Chinese director for Born in China, then had the audacity to claim, “When you try to manufacture something, it’s sticky.” Heh. Anyway, we missed that one, too, sort of on purpose. Also the foodie doc In Search of Israeli Cuisine. Rough week.

Comments
Sponsored
Here's something you might be interested in.
Submit a free classified
or view all
Previous article

Hip-hop artist Don Elway makes movies for his music

Not Ordinary EP tells a story of life on the streets
Next Article

Taco Taco Poway still has 99-cent fish tacos

Tacotopia prizewinner is well known among Powegians
Comments
Ask a Hipster — Advice you didn't know you needed Big Screen — Movie commentary Blurt — Music's inside track Booze News — San Diego spirits Classical Music — Immortal beauty Classifieds — Free and easy Cover Stories — Front-page features Drinks All Around — Bartenders' drink recipes Excerpts — Literary and spiritual excerpts Feast! — Food & drink reviews Feature Stories — Local news & stories Fishing Report — What’s getting hooked from ship and shore From the Archives — Spotlight on the past Golden Dreams — Talk of the town The Gonzo Report — Making the musical scene, or at least reporting from it Letters — Our inbox Movies@Home — Local movie buffs share favorites Movie Reviews — Our critics' picks and pans Musician Interviews — Up close with local artists Neighborhood News from Stringers — Hyperlocal news News Ticker — News & politics Obermeyer — San Diego politics illustrated Outdoors — Weekly changes in flora and fauna Overheard in San Diego — Eavesdropping illustrated Poetry — The old and the new Reader Travel — Travel section built by travelers Reading — The hunt for intellectuals Roam-O-Rama — SoCal's best hiking/biking trails San Diego Beer — Inside San Diego suds SD on the QT — Almost factual news Sheep and Goats — Places of worship Special Issues — The best of Street Style — San Diego streets have style Surf Diego — Real stories from those braving the waves Theater — On stage in San Diego this week Tin Fork — Silver spoon alternative Under the Radar — Matt Potter's undercover work Unforgettable — Long-ago San Diego Unreal Estate — San Diego's priciest pads Your Week — Daily event picks
4S Ranch Allied Gardens Alpine Baja Balboa Park Bankers Hill Barrio Logan Bay Ho Bay Park Black Mountain Ranch Blossom Valley Bonita Bonsall Borrego Springs Boulevard Campo Cardiff-by-the-Sea Carlsbad Carmel Mountain Carmel Valley Chollas View Chula Vista City College City Heights Clairemont College Area Coronado CSU San Marcos Cuyamaca College Del Cerro Del Mar Descanso Downtown San Diego Eastlake East Village El Cajon Emerald Hills Encanto Encinitas Escondido Fallbrook Fletcher Hills Golden Hill Grant Hill Grantville Grossmont College Guatay Harbor Island Hillcrest Imperial Beach Imperial Valley Jacumba Jamacha-Lomita Jamul Julian Kearny Mesa Kensington La Jolla Lakeside La Mesa Lemon Grove Leucadia Liberty Station Lincoln Acres Lincoln Park Linda Vista Little Italy Logan Heights Mesa College Midway District MiraCosta College Miramar Miramar College Mira Mesa Mission Beach Mission Hills Mission Valley Mountain View Mount Hope Mount Laguna National City Nestor Normal Heights North Park Oak Park Ocean Beach Oceanside Old Town Otay Mesa Pacific Beach Pala Palomar College Palomar Mountain Paradise Hills Pauma Valley Pine Valley Point Loma Point Loma Nazarene Potrero Poway Rainbow Ramona Rancho Bernardo Rancho Penasquitos Rancho San Diego Rancho Santa Fe Rolando San Carlos San Marcos San Onofre Santa Ysabel Santee San Ysidro Scripps Ranch SDSU Serra Mesa Shelltown Shelter Island Sherman Heights Skyline Solana Beach Sorrento Valley Southcrest South Park Southwestern College Spring Valley Stockton Talmadge Temecula Tierrasanta Tijuana UCSD University City University Heights USD Valencia Park Valley Center Vista Warner Springs
Close

Anchor ads are not supported on this page.