August Movies: Total Recall, Bourne Legacy, and Expendables 2...

Mark Vader · August 1, 2012

"The Dark Knight Rises" brought an end to July and the comic book themed portion of the Summer Season. Now August takes over and with it comes a stockpile of action and supernatural themed movies. For those who feel they haven't gotten their fill of guns going off, super explosions, and out of this world action, hang on, because the month of August will give you your fix.

Leading the charge is the re-make of the sci-fi/action flick "Total Recall". A factory worker, Douglas Quaid, begins to suspect that he is a spy after visiting Rekall - a company that provides its clients with implanted fake memories of a life they would like to have led - goes wrong and he finds himself on the run. Fans of the original film are upset about Colin Farrell stepping into Arnold Schwarzenegger's shoes, and that the Mars aspect is not involved. However, the prospect of a fight between Kate Beckinsale & Jessica Beil, and that the 3 breasted prostitute will be in the movie, have allowed fans to become more interested. Also starring Bokeem Woodbine, Bryan Cranston & Bill Nighy.

The red-hot-high-in-demand Jeremy Renner steps in for Matt Damon with "The Bourne Legacy", an expansion of the universe from Robert Ludlum's novels, centered on a new hero whose stakes have been triggered by the events of the previous three films. Also starring Rachel Weisz & Edward Norton.

Sylvester Stallone and company return in "The Expendables 2". Mr. Church reunites the Expendables for what should be an easy paycheck, but when one of their men is murdered on the job, their quest for revenge puts them deep in enemy territory and up against an unexpected threat. Also starring Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Liam Hemsworth, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bruce Willis & Arnold Schwarzenegger.

A pair of "Dark Knight Rises" actors headline their own films:

Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars in "Premium Rush". In Manhattan, a bike messenger picks up an envelope that attracts the interest of a dirty cop, who pursues the cyclist throughout the city. Also starring Michael Shannon, Jamie Chung & Dania Ramirez.

Tom Hardy stars in "Lawless". Set in the Depression-era Franklin County, Virginia, a bootlegging gang is threatened by authorities who want a cut of their profits. Also starring Gary Oldman, Guy Pearce, Shia LaBeouf, Jessica Chastain & Mia Wasikowska.

Will Ferrell & Zach Galifianakis headline the political comedy "The Campaign". In order to gain influence over their North Carolina district, two CEOs seize an opportunity to oust long-term congressman Cam Brady by putting up a rival candidate. Their man: naive Marty Huggins, director of the local Tourism Center. Also starring Jason Sudeikis, Katherine LaNasa, Sarah Baker, Dylan McDermott, John Lithgow & Dan Aykroyd.

Meryl Streep & Tommy Lee Jones headline "Hope Springs". After thirty years of marriage, a middle-aged couple attends an intense, week-long counseling session to work on their relationship. Also starring Steve Carrell.

Dax Shepard stars, writes & co-directs "Hit and Run". Former getaway driver Charlie Bronson jeopardizes his Witness Protection Plan identity in order to help his girlfriend get to Los Angeles. The feds and Charlie's former gang chase them on the road. Also starring Kristen Bell, Bradley Cooper, Kristin Chenoweth & Tom Arnold.

There will be plenty of family movie options as well:

One of the more unexpected movie series' continues with "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days". School is out and Greg is ready for the days of summer, when all his plans go wrong. What on earth is he going to do all summer? Starring Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Devon Bostick & Steve Zahn.

In the animated movie "Paranorman", A misunderstood boy who can speak with the dead, takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse. Starring the voices of Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Leslie Mann, John Goodman & Casey Affleck.

Jennifer Garner & Joel Edgarton star in "The Odd Life of Timothy Green". A childless couple bury a box in their backyard, containing all of their wishes for an infant. Soon, a child is born, though Timothy Green is not all that he appears. Also starring C.J. Adams, Rosemarie DeWitt, Ron Livingston, David Morse & Dianne Wiest.

There will be horror options as well:

In "The Possession", A young girl buys an antique box at a yard sale, unaware that inside the collectible lives a malicious ancient spirit. The girl's father teams with his ex-wife to find a way to end the curse upon their child. Starring Natasha Calis, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Kyra Sedgwick & Madison Davenport.

In "The Apparition", A couple are haunted by a supernatural presence that is unleashed during a college experiment. Starring Ashley Greene, Sebastian Stan, Tom Felton & Julianna Guill.

Finally in "Sparkle", Set in the 1960s, three sisters form girl group and soon become Motown sensations, but fame becomes a challenge as the close-knit family begins to fall apart. Starring Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Carmen Ejogo & Derek Luke.

Calendar with Trailers.

8/3

"Total Recall": http://www.welcometorecall.com/

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days": http://www.diaryofawimpykidmovie.com/

8/10

"The Bourne Legacy": http://www.thebournelegacy.net/#/home

"The Campaign": http://thecampaignmovie.warnerbros.com/

"Hope Springs": http://www.hopesprings-movie.com/

8/15

"The Odd Life of Timothy Green": http://disney.go.com/the-odd-life-of-timothy-green/

8/17

"The Expendables 2": http://theexpendables2film.com/

"Paranorman": http://paranorman.com/

"Sparkle": http://www.sparkle-movie.com/site/

8/22

"Hit and Run": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3972309529/

8/24

"Premium Rush": http://www.premiumrush.com/

"The Apparition": http://theapparition.warnerbros.com/

8/29

"Lawless": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3697713945/

8/31

"The Possession": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4006257177/

That's all for now. Independent Films will posted later. Enjoy!

erynthered · August 2, 2012

Thanks man!!!

:thumbsup:

Juror#8 · August 2, 2012

Really looking forward to Bourne Legacy! Opening nighter for me.

It's a shame that Greengrass and Damon wouldn't return for this installment. Hopefully Damon will have a Vin Diesel moment of realization that his best work and best box office prowess is with that series.

Renner is a good second choice. Let's hope that that they made the right call choosing him over Ryan Reynolds.

shrader · August 2, 2012

Thanks for the reminder that it is in fact August now. I want to see a few of these, but I'm not so sure any will be theater movies. All I know after scanning through the list is that I need to go back and rewatch the original Total Recall. I haven't seen that movie in ages.

Mr Info · August 2, 2012

Thanks a bunch, Mark. I always look forward to these posts.

I am interested in Premium Rush. I like JGL but the staging of the bike filming, at least in the trailer, appears exhilarating to watch. I hope the story line/screenplay is just as good.

After reading the strong dissents on the TBD bicycle discussion I can envision two TBD bleachers at this movie: one cheering when the bike rider cleverly avoids the situation and the other when the rider gets whacked. Though, in fairness, it is the wild west for NYC bike deliverers as they do what they please.

Edited August 2, 2012 by Mr Info

Rex Ryan's Stomach · August 2, 2012

Definitely want to see "The Campaign." You can't go wrong with a Will Ferrell movie.

UConn James · August 2, 2012

Thanks for the reminder that it is in fact August now. I want to see a few of these, but I'm not so sure any will be theater movies. All I know after scanning through the list is that I need to go back and rewatch the original Total Recall. I haven't seen that movie in ages.

I did a couple of weeks ago.

Wow, that was terrible. On every level.

CowgirlsFan · August 2, 2012

Thanks Mark!

Great information!

I look forward to "Hope Springs". I know

it's not Oscar worthy but it will give me a

laugh or two!

ajzepp · August 2, 2012

This looks like a very interesting month for movies...thanks Mark! I may make a couple trips to the theater. Really hoping that the Total Recall film is not a carbon copy of the last one. I agree with juror about the Bourne film...I'm certain I'll see that at the theater and I'm psyched that Renner got the gig. I recently read a Matt Damon interview where he indicated he was open to a return to the franchise in the future, so having both of them kicking some ass would be pretty cool.

Mark Vader · August 3, 2012

Thanks a bunch, Mark. I always look forward to these posts.

I am interested in Premium Rush. I like JGL but the staging of the bike filming, at least in the trailer, appears exhilarating to watch. I hope the story line/screenplay is just as good.

After reading the strong dissents on the TBD bicycle discussion I can envision two TBD bleachers at this movie: one cheering when the bike rider cleverly avoids the situation and the other when the rider gets whacked. Though, in fairness, it is the wild west for NYC bike deliverers as they do what they please.

I hope so too. This is one of the last of the summer films left that I really want to see.

Definitely want to see "The Campaign." You can't go wrong with a Will Ferrell movie.

You can't?

You are far more optimistic than I.

The Poojer · August 3, 2012

they were just in philly on tuesday at the national constitution center signing the 'constitution' as a promo for the movie, really wanted to get down there for it, but found out about it too late...i also like both of them

Definitely want to see "The Campaign." You can't go wrong with a Will Ferrell movie.

ajzepp · August 3, 2012

I know that a lot of people have tired of Will Farrell's schtick, but I will pretty much watch anything that guy does. I don't know what it is, I just connect with his humor...always have.

The Poojer · August 3, 2012

its stuff like this that keeps me a big fan of his...

I know that a lot of people have tired of Will Farrell's schtick, but I will pretty much watch anything that guy does. I don't know what it is, I just connect with his humor...always have.

WellDressed · August 3, 2012

"The Dark Knight "whatever".... It's not only the best movie of the year, but the best movie ever......" Okay...lol :yawn:

Total Recall: Watch the Verhoeven version. Good Night.

Edited August 3, 2012 by WellDressed

ajzepp · August 3, 2012

its stuff like this that keeps me a big fan of his...

youtube.com/watch?v=QuwgoIFgQpY

:lol:

I was watching Talladega nights a few days ago and the scene where he and Sacha B.C were outside...screw it, this scene ...came on. I don't know why, but the part starting at the 1:15 mark makes me self-shart every time.

shrader · August 3, 2012

The wife's stuck watching her nephew for the night, so I've decided to see the Dark Knight Rises at an IMAX. That's about all I have in mind for August movies right now.

ajzepp · August 3, 2012

The wife's stuck watching her nephew for the night, so I've decided to see the Dark Knight Rises at an IMAX. That's about all I have in mind for August movies right now.

Let us know what you think

Mark Vader · August 4, 2012

I know that a lot of people have tired of Will Farrell's schtick, but I will pretty much watch anything that guy does. I don't know what it is, I just connect with his humor...always have.

I'm the same way about Will Ferrell as I am with Adam Sandler, I cannot take 90 minutes of both of them.

However when Ferrell is part of an ensemble cast, like in "Old School", I can handle that.

ajzepp · August 4, 2012

I'm the same way about Will Ferrell as I am with Adam Sandler, I cannot take 90 minutes of both of them.

However when Ferrell is part of an ensemble cast, like in "Old School", I can handle that.

Understandable...I'm that way about sandler now. I haven't laughed at anything he's done in a while.

Mark Vader · August 16, 2012

Here are this month's Independent Movies.

Robert Pattinson stars in the David Cronenberg film, "Cosmopolis". Riding across Manhattan in a stretch limo in order to get a haircut, a 28-year-old billionaire asset manager's day devolves into an odyssey with a cast of characters that start to tear his world apart. Also starring Paul Giamatti, Juliette Binoche, Sarah Gadon, Mathieu Amalrac & Samantha Morton.

Frank Langella stars in "Robot & Frank". Set in the near future, an ex-jewel thief receives a gift from his son: a robot butler programmed to look after him. But soon the two companions try their luck as a heist team. Also starring Peter Sarsgaard, Liv Tyler & Susan Sarandon.

Rachel Weisz, Jude Law & Anthony Hopkins star in "360", a dramatic thriller that weaves together the stories of an array of people from disparate social backgrounds through their intersecting relationships.

50 Cent, Forest Whitaker & Robert DeNiro star in "Freelancers". The son of a slain NYPD officer joins the force, where he falls in with his father's former partner and a team of rogue cops.

Christian Slater, Sean Bean, Ving Rhames & Dominic Monaghan star in "Soldiers of Fortune". Wealthy thrill-seekers pay huge premiums to have themselves inserted into military adventures, only this time things don't go exactly to plan. Also starring Colm Meaney & James Cromwell.

Orlando Bloom is "The Good Doctor". A young doctor goes to unconscionable extremes in order to remain in the service of a female patient with a kidney disorder. Also starring Riley Keough & Taraji P. Henson.

Jesse Eisenberg, Melissa Leo & Tracy Morgan star in "Why Stop Now?". When a college piano prodigy tries to check his mother into rehab, he is taken hostage by her drug dealer and swept along on a wild adventure.

Christian Slater, Donald Sutherland, Elika Portnoy & Timothy Spall star in "Assassin's Bullet". When an unknown vigilante begins killing high-priority terrorists from America's Most Wanted list in Europe, a former FBI field agent is brought in by the US Ambassador to discover the identity of the assassin.

Julie Delpy & Chris Rock star in "2 Days in New York", Manhattan couple Marion and Mingus, who each have children from prior relationships, find their comfortable family dynamic jostled by a visit from Marion's relatives.

Rashida Jones & Andy Samberg star in "Celeste and Jesse Forever". A divorcing couple tries to maintain their friendship while they both pursue other people.

Vera Farmiga, David Duchovny, Keri Russell & Graham Phillips star in "Goats". As Ellis prepares to leave Tucson for his freshman year at an East Coast prep school, he also faces separating from his flaky, new age mother and the only real father he has ever known: Goat Man.

In "The Day", Open war against humanity rages. 5 survivors; lost and on the run. The pursuit is relentless, the bullets are dwindling and the battle is everywhere. This is a 24hr look into their lives. Fight or die. Starring Shawn Ashmore, Ashley Bell, Michael Eklund, Dominic Monaghan, Cory Hardrict & Shannyn Sossaman.

In "For A Good Time, Call...", Former college frenemies Lauren and Katie move into a fabulous Gramercy Park apartment, and in order to make ends meet, the unlikely pair start a phone sex line together.Starring Ari Graynor, Lauren Miller, Justin Long & Seth Rogen.

In the Spike Lee film "Red Hook Summer", A middle-class boy from Atlanta finds his worldview changed as he spends the summer with his deeply religious grandfather in the housing projects of Red Hook, Brooklyn. Starring Jules Brown, Thomas Jefferson Byrd & Toni Lysaith.

Paul Schneider & Olivia Munn star in "The Babymakers". After failing to get his wife pregnant, a guy recruits his pals to steal the deposit he left at a sperm bank years ago.

Rebecca Hall & Dominic West star in "The Awakening". In 1921, England is overwhelmed by the loss and grief of World War I. Hoax exposer Florence Cathcart visits a boarding school to explain sightings of a child ghost. Everything she believes unravels as the 'missing' begin to show themselves. Also starring Imelda Staunton.

In "Compliance", When a prank caller convinces a fast food restaurant manager to interrogate an innocent young employee, no-one is left unharmed. Based on true events. Starring Ann Dowd, Dreama Walker & Pat Healy.

In "The Victim", A man lives alone in a remote cabin and is surprised by his visitors. Starring Michael Biehn, Jennifer Blanc, Danielle Harris, Ryan Honey & Denny Kirkwood.

In "Supercapitalist", A maverick New York hedge fund trader with uncanny analytic abilities moves to Hong Kong and orchestrates a mega-deal that swiftly escalates beyond his control. Starring Linus Roache, Kenneth Tsang & Derek Ting.

There are several documentaries this month as well:

In "Craigslist Joe", In a time when America's economy was crumbling and sense of community was in question, one guy left everything behind to see if he could survive solely on the support and goodwill of the 21st century's new town square: Craigslist.

In "Dreams of a Life", A filmmaker sets out to discover the life of Joyce Vincent, who died in her bedsit in North London in 2003. Her body wasn't discovered for three years, and newspaper reports offered few details of her life - not even a photograph.

In "You've Been Trumped", In this David and Goliath story for the 21st century, a group of proud Scottish homeowners take on celebrity tycoon Donald Trump as he buys up one of Scotland's last wilderness areas to build a golf resort.

In "Death By China", A documentary feature that pointedly confronts the most urgent problem facing America today – its increasingly destructive economic trade relationship with a rapidly rising China.

In "Side By Side", The documentary investigates the history, process and workflow of both digital and photochemical film creation.

In "Samsara", Filmed over a period of five years in twenty-five countries on five continents, and shot on 70mm film, Samsara transports us to the varied worlds of sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial complexes, and natural wonders.

In "Wild Horse, Wild Ride", A handful of unforgettable characters set out on a 100-day quest to tame a totally wild mustang for a Texas competition in this stunning and poignant documentary.

Finally in "The Ambassador", Danish journalist Mads Brügger goes undercover as a European Ambassador to embark on a dangerous yet hysterical journey to uncover the blood diamond trade in Africa.

Calendar with Trailers. Note: These dates are for Exclusive or Limited release. These films may appear in your area at a later date.

8/3

"Assassin's Bullet": http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi2740034841/

"The Babymakers": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4218528281/

"Soldiers of Fortune": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2020319769/

"360": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4219314713/

"Celeste and Jesse Forever": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3209208345/

"Craigslist Joe": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi566076697/

"Dreams of a Life": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1637590297/

"You've Been Trumped": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2223808025/

8/10

"The Awakening": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2176820505/