The still new Weinstein Co. has turned a profit so far this year by shoving out low cost, low quality movies that don't need much attendance to break even. It's the same philosophy that got the Weinstein's started in the first place, long before Miramax became the haven for independent film talent that it is now. To get their new studio going they've returned to peddling trash cinema, but to keep it going they'll have to come up with something better.
Fall 2006 is Weinstein Co's chance to up the ante. The latter half of the year they're doing fewer of the likes of Doogal and instead focusing on quality imports, solid family entertainment, and maybe even a few Oscar contenders. Here's our quick look at what The Weinstein Company has in store for the remainder of the year. Click each movie title for more information and images.
The Protector
Release Date: September 8
Synopsis: The highly anticipated full bodied action film starring International Martial Arts superstar, Tony Jaa (Ong Bak). His world shaped by ancient traditions, a young Thai fighter (Jaa) is called to defend his people and their honor after outsiders ruin all that is sacred. Fueled by desire to protect a way of life and avenge the wrong done to his family, he will bring the fight to their city.
Feast
Release Date: September 22
Synopsis: Directed by Project Greenlight winner and first time filmmaker John Gulager, "Feast" is the terrifying tale of a motley crew of strangers who find themselves trapped in an isolated tavern and must band together in a battle for survival against a family of flesh-hungry creatures.
School for Scoundrels
Release Date: September 29
Synopsis: Jon Heder plays Roger, a beleaguered New York City meter maid who is plagued by anxiety and low self-esteem. In order to overcome his feelings of inadequacy, Roger enrolls in a top-secret confidence-building class taught by the suavely underhanded Dr. P (Billy Bob Thornton). Aided by his assistant, Lesher (Michael Clarke Duncan), Dr. P uses unorthodox, often dangerous methods, but he guarantees results: Employ his techniques and you will unleash your inner lion.
Stormbreaker
Release Date: October 6
Synopsis: "Alex Rider, you're never too young to die!" Explosive, thrilling, action-packed adventure with 14 year-old Alex (newcomer Alex Pettyfer) as a reluctant spy. After the mysterious death of his uncle (Ewan McGregor), an MI6 agent, Rider learns the truth and finds himself forced against his will to take on a dangerous mission for the British secret service to infiltrate the organization of a sinister billionaire (Mickey Rourke). Within days he's gone from schoolboy to superspy - and it looks like his first assignment may be his last!
Breaking and Entering
Release Date: October 6
Synopsis: A story about theft, both criminal and emotional, “Breaking & Entering” follows a disparate group of long-term Londoners and new arrivals whose lives intersect in the inner-city area of King's Cross. When a landscape architect's (Jude Law) state of the art offices in a seedy part of town are repeatedly burgled, his investigations launch him out of the safety of his familiar world.
Bobby
Release Date: October 6
Synopsis: Bobby, written and directed by Emilio Estevez, revisits the night Robert F. Kennedy was gunned down at the Ambassador Hotel in 1968. With an incredible ensemble cast portraying fictionalized characters from a cross-section of America, the film follows 22 individuals who are all at the hotel for different purposes but share the common thread of anticipating Kennedy’s arrival at the primary election night party, which would change their lives forever. This historic night is set against the backdrop of the cultural issues gripping the country at the time, including racism, sexual inequality and class differences.
Black Christmas
Release Date: December 25
Synopsis: In Black Christmas a sorority house is terrorized by a killer who makes frightening telephone calls before murdering the sorority sisters during the Christmas break.
Miss Potter
Release Date: December 29
Synopsis: Beatrix Potter has delighted generations of children with her books. But she kept her own private life locked carefully away. Oscar-winning star Renee Zellweger is now bringing her secret story to the screen in “Miss Potter,” the first film directed by Chris Noonan since his charming 1995 movie, Babe. It is set in the high summer days of late Victorian and Edwardian England, during which Beatrix develops her natural skills as artist and story-teller. When she finally publishes her debut book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, she becomes a writing celebrity. It also leads to courtship and her first love with publisher Norman Warne, played by Ewan McGregor. Their relationship and his marriage proposal in July, 1905, was to change Beatrix’s life for ever.
