Eclectic Pop

#20: Gone Girl

Ever since the announcement that Gillian Flynn’s best-seller would be getting the adaptation treatment, there have been expectations. When it was announced thriller maestro David Fincher would be taking the helm those expectations were only heightened. “Gone Girl” possesses all of the elements of a 90’s style adult drama. From its domestic drama, fraught sensuality, violent subtext and ripped from the headlines premise, the groundwork for a word-of-mouth smash seems inevitable.

Despite the rarity of the suspense genre getting awards attention, the possibility still has people buzzing. One major key working to its box office advantage, is its cross appeal to both men and women. It’s an allure that should keep the excitement around “Gone Girl” from vanishing. Release Date: Oct 3
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Limiting personal expectations is the casting of O’Connell as Zamporini. Having mostly played a cache of villains, it’s hard to imagine him playing a heroic role. Having left such an indelible impression with his terrifyingly evil portrayals of despicable youths in “Eden Lake” and “Harry Brown”, watching him as a hero will require quite a disappearing act and a staggering range of characterization. When it comes to measuring up “Unbroken”, it faces its toughest comparative competition from Werner Herzog’s under seen POW opus, “Rescue Dawn” starring Christian Bale and Steve Zhan. Release Date: Dec 25

#1 Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 

Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer star in “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” a dazzling pulp neo-noir set during a Christmas in Los Angeles. Downey Jr. is in top form as Harry Lockhart, a thief pretending to be an actor, who becomes embroiled in a murder mystery alongside a private eye (Kilmer) and an aspiring actress (Michelle Monaghan).

The Flash vs. Arrow | The highly anticipated crossover event between the superhero series delivered a dazzling two hours of television. Sharp and dramatically gratifying, the episodes soared with heartfelt humor, great action and terrific performances. The special event brought out the best in both shows; “Arrow” getting a much needed dose of levity and “The Flash” receiving a mild injection of solemnity.

The depressing and sorrowful story of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) continues in this maudlin three-quel. Picturing a bigger downer as an intro for a movie is hard to do. Within the first few minutes a character wishes everyone were dead as Katniss writhes in tears shouting at anyone who will listen about the events of the previous movie.