Good bye winter movie season! I think I speak for most of us when I say we won’t miss you one bit. Now spring is here and that means a lineup of films meant to get us ready for the big summer releases. Sometimes we get some really nice surprises in the spring but we also get several duds. So today I’m picking out five spring releases that I am genuinely interested in and want to spread the word about. These I’ll certainly flaunt. I’m also going to pick five releases that are from my perspective toilet ready. These I’ll flush. Flaunt it or flush it, that’s kinda catchy.
FLAUNT ‘EM
1. MUD (April 26, 2013) – I’ve been really outspoken in my excitement for Jeff Nichols’ new film “Mud”. It was #1 on my list of most anticipated 2013 films and it’s unquestionably the treat of the spring. In “Mud” Nichols is back in familiar territory – rural America. This time he’s directing Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon. Other favorites of mine Michael Shannon, Sam Shepard, and Ray McKinnon have supporting roles and that’s enough to excite me in itself. Everything including the story, the cast, and Nichol’s precision direction intrigues me and I can’t wait to see this flick.
2. “OBLIVION” (April 19, 2013) – Some people love Tom Cruise. A lot of people hate Tom Cruise. All I know is that his upcoming sci-fi action picture “Oblivion” looks like something that I would really enjoy. I can’t say I know much about the plot but the trailer really grabbed my attention and the visuals look stunning. This also looks like something that may be right up Cruise’s alley. He may not be my favorite actor but I’m one of those that believes he can still bring a lot to a movie. Hopefully that’s the case with “Oblivion”. With this kind of potential, I know I’ll be there to check it out.
3. “EVIL DEAD” (APRIL 5, 2013) – Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell getting together to do a remake of their horror classic “Evil Dead”? I’m all over it! The horror genre is a pretty watered down mess so leave it to Raimi and Campbell to give it a swift kick in the buns. The trailer for this thing is gruesome and creepy and the movie already feels like it’s going to be a return to old school horror movie form. I’m really hoping this isn’t a bust because my expectations right now are sky-high! And what a needed jolt this could be to a hurting genre. I’m definitely flaunting this one.
4. “TO THE WONDER” (April 12, 2013) – “To the Wonder” has received some mixed early reviews and that has knocked my expectations down slightly. But I’m still really excited about Terrence Malick’s new picture. Malick’s style of filmmaking doesn’t resonate with everyone but I tend to like it. “The Tree of Life” was a favorite of mine and I’m hoping for something close to that here. Javier Bardem, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, and Rachel Weisz star in this movie that’s sure to divide audiences. But to me it’s a film loaded with potential.
5. “OZ: THE GREAT AND THE POWERFUL” (March 8, 2013) – I have to admit, at first I blew off “Oz” as a gimmicky snoozefest. But over time I’ve really warmed up to the project. The more recent trailers make me think this could be a quality family film that’s actually not animation. That’s really rare these days. James Franco stars in the film and he’s surrounded with a really strong female supporting cast including Rachel Weisz, Mila Kunis, and Michelle Williams. I’m not getting overly excited but this one could be a surprise. I’ll flaunt it.
FLUSH ‘EM
1. “21 and Over” (March 1, 2013) – Everything about this movie rubs me the wrong way. Let’s see, what do we get here? Yet another asinine teen “comedy” filled with booze, breasts, and debauchery. I swear I would give anything if Hollywood could find some good, capable comedy writers who could get us away from the dumb, raunchy garbage that is churned out on a regular basis. The trailer for “21 and Over” drive me nuts me every time it comes on. I can’t imagine sitting through the whole movie. I have no interest in this whatsoever so flush it! No I take it back. Go ahead and flush it twice!
2. “SCARY MOVIE 5” (April 12, 2013) – If we didn’t need “Scary Movie” 2 through 4 why on earth would we need part 5? Well obviously there is still an audience for this mindnumbingly awful stuff. I recently tried to watch a little of one of these terrible installments and it was a truly painful experience. How can movies this bad make enough money to merit yet another film? Here’s a bigger question – what would make anyone think this one will be any different? I’m sure some people will go see this thing. But not me. No thank you, I’ll pass.
3. “PAIN AND GAIN” (APRIL 26, 2013) – Ok, I may be completely wrong about this one but from the trailers “Pain and Gain” looks absolutely terrible. Yes it stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Mark Wahlberg, and Anthony Mackie, all three of whom can have their moments. But the entire idea behind this looks and sounds absurd. I know this is based on a true story but all true stories don’t necessarily translate into a good movie. Anything is possible when good actors are in place, but with Michael Bay directing…sigh, enough said.
4. “SPRING BREAKERS” (March 22, 2013) – I almost aways roll my eyes at these movies that are clearly a child stars attempt to drastically distance themselves from what made them famous. Such is the case with Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens in “Spring Breakers”. Look, there’s nothing wrong with moving to more mature movies. That’s expected. But here they run around in tiny bikini’s, snorting cocaine, and wallowing all over a silly looking gangstered-out James Franco. This looks cheap and self-indulgent. I think I’ll pass.
5. “G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (March 29, 2013) – Let me go on record (again) by saying I despised the first G.I. Joe movie and I thought it had turned off enough people to avoid a sequel. Not the case. Now the trailers are tempting and it almost looks like good-matured mindless fun. But I’m not buying it. Even with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Bruce Willis added to the cast, this thing could be another lame disaster. I’m flushing this one although I would love to be proven wrong.
There you go. I’ve flaunted five films that I’m anxious to see and flushed five that look like…well…crap. Agree or disagree? What are some movies you would like to flaunt or flush. Let me hear from ya.
Keith & the Movies 
To The Wonder and Mud are my most anticipated for spring. I’ll be avoiding Scary Movie 5.
“Mud” really excites me. The only thing is I don’t know if it’ll be a wide release or limited. I just hope it opens here!
Agree with all of your ‘flush ’em’ picks Keith, definitely. Can’t say I’m that bothered about Oblivion or Oz to be honest but the rest look good. I’m looking forward to Place Beyond the Pines too. Think that’s out in April sometime. I was looking forward to To The Wonder but it wasn’t showing anywhere near me so I’ll have to wait for that one.
Thanks for the comments! The only real thing that makes me even remotely interested in “Oz” is the strong female cast and the potential for it to be a good family movie that’s actually not animated. BUT I am also aware that it could be pretty bad. I guess I’m just optimistic. lol
Terrific post, To the wonder certainly looks like an interesting film to watch.
Thanks man! I hope it’s good. I adored The Tree of Life and I hope I have a similar response to this one. Fingers crossed!
Great post buddy! 🙂
Thanks bro! I was just about to die to use the toilet image somewhere! LOL!!!
Great list, Keith! I’m looking forward to Oz and Oblivion too, hopefully those two deliver. No interest in all on your FLUSH list either, I’d also add Olympus Has Fallen, made me cringe whenever I see a poster or clip of that one… it affirms my decision to break up w/ GB!
I could have put Olympus on here too. Doesn’t it look awful? I just don’t know what Butler’s thinking.
He’s NOT. That’s why 😦
I love post-apocalyptic stuff, and Oblivion seems kind of cool at first glance, but I don’t know, something about it tells me it’s another I Am Legend: cool setup, then falls apart in the second half.
You may be right. I hope not. I love good science fiction and the pieces are there for this one to be a good one. But I know what you’re saying. It could be a dud but I’m staying optimistic.
OBLIVION and EVIL DEAD will be great!
Or terrible haha 😀
Lets hope for great. My heart couldn’t handle Evil Dead sucking!!!
I agree with your Flaunt It list buddy. But dont you have any love for the cheese? Flushing Pain & Gain AND Spring Breakers? Cmon, those flicks are going to be awesome!
You better be looking forward to Fast & Furious 6!!
You know it’s funny bro, I’ve never liked the F&F series. That was until Fast Five. It got away from the corny street racing scene and became a straightforward old-school action picture. I really enjoyed it so yes I’m ready for the next one.
I love Tom Cruise. So I wouldn’t want to marry him, but really, I have loved him since “Taps”. I reckon because we are the same age, I grew up and grew old with him. Let him jump on all the couches he wants…. What are your favorite films with TC? Mine would be Minority Report, Far and Away (I know, I know) Born on the 4th of July, and Valkyrie.
Loved Minority Report. I’ll also admit to really liking Top Gun cheese and all. I also grew up during that time so I know there’s a nostalgia factor for me. But I certainly don’t deny it. 🙂
Oh, I CAN’T WAIT for Oblivion….
Same here Cindy! I’m really hoping it delivers!
keith, I did not realize Mud was coming out so soon. I look forward to checking that one out. I am hoping that Pain and Gain will be wonderfully terrible.
Yes sir! It’s a spring release! Can’t wait to see it!
Been looking forward to Mud ever since it premiered at Cannes last May, hope it was worth the wait.
And I actually am intrigued by Spring Breakers. The marketing for the film makes it look one way, but knowing the director’s tendencies, this could end up being a future cult classic.
Jeff Nichols is from my home state of Arkansas and Mud was filmed in a small town not to far from me. Real anxious to watch him flex his “rural south” muscle again!
The only thing I disagree with is PAIN & GAIN. I think Dwayne Johnson has awesome comic timing and for him to be using his physique in a role that kind of seems to mock it, is refreshing. You’re right though, Bay in the equation makes the whole thing iffy, but one thing Bay’s good at is the mindless action & comedy. So I’m looking forward to it…. good or bad.
Let’s see. Awesome list otherwise though! :p
You may be right and I’m always hoping a movie is good instead of bad. I also agree about the Rock’s humor. But I gotta baaaaad feeling about that one. But I easily could be wrong.
Very fine list here bro. I know we have disagreed lately but I can’t disagree with all of these. All of the flaunt ’em’s are going to be real highlights I believe and I would definitely flush the rest.
Thanks man. Should be an interesting spring. My biggest hope is that Mud gets a wide enough release that’s I can see it soon. Since Jeff Nichols is from here and filmed it here I’m hoping that we get a first run showing.
Great picks. You put these 10 movies where they belong.
LOL, thanks bro!
Oblivion is next month!!??! This is the best news I’ve read all week, didn’t realise it was so close.
I actually really want to see Spring Breakers. Otherwise I completely agree. 🙂
Yep. When I was doing the post I had the same reaction. Didn’t realize we were already that close.
Mud’s on my list too. Looks like another good one for McConaughey. Probably one of the most interesting films out of your list. I think I’m going to avoid To The Wonder. At some point I was considering giving this one a shot, but I remembered how much I just plain didn’t like Tree of Life and it seemed most reviews have said if you don’t like Tree of Life, skip it!
Oblivion… well I just don’t know. It looks like your stock sci-fi film for me right now. Nothing new. Oh, with added Cruise. Who I don’t usually mind. But nothing about this film is working for me.
Thanks for the comments! The Tree of Life certainly was a love it or hate it film. I adored it so I’m obviously drawn to the new film. As for Oblivion you may be right. It’s interesting that they aren’t releasing much information about it. That’s usually a questionable sign. I’m still optimistic though.
I’m scared to go watch “Pain & Gain”. But since it is sent in Miami I will be there at the theatre. I’m dumb that way sometimes.
Nothing wrong with that. I assume you either love Miami, live in Miami, grew up in Miami, or all of the above?
All of the above.
That’s cool. If that were the case for me I would be watching it too. You have a connection with the area so I don’t blame you a bit.