By Kevin Lally
Last night ShowEast offered what it termed a 'Hard R' double bill of MGM and The Weinstein Company's Soul Men, followed by The Weinstein Company's Zack and Miri Make a Porno. Since ShowEast is not open to the general public, the press is embargoed from reviewing films previewed at this exhibitor gathering. But I think I can risk a few brief side observations:
Soul Men, of course, is the last film starring the late comedian Bernie Mac, and it's hard to believe from his vibrant performance as a onetime major R&B backup singer that he died so soon after its filming. The end credits include a touching tribute to the actor, along with fellow performer Isaac Hayes (who died within the same week). The movie may also land in the Guinness Book of Records for most frequent use of the m-f word.
I've never been a fan of either Kevin Smith or his brand of frat-boy raunchiness, but Zack and Miri captures the same blend of sweetness and filth that has made Judd Apatow comedy's current top dog. And a big part of that sweetness is due to Elizabeth Banks (also starring as Laura Bush in W.) Not since Cameron Diaz in There's Something About Mary has an actress combined beauty, warmth, approachability, comic chops, and a willingness to get down and dirty like one of the boys. Part of the Apatow/David Wain orbit, the charming Banks is the key reason this very dirty but surprisingly romantic film may cross over to a large female audience. (And how did they ever secure that R rating from the MPAA?)
As for yesterday's screening of Ron Howard's Frost/Nixon, I have four words: Frank Langella. Best Actor. You heard it here first.
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