Limited Releases: Will Any Film Survive the Carnage?

December 16, 2011

The list of limited releases this week is much shorter and quite a bit weaker than the last few weeks. Carnage is the only film with a real shot at earning some measure of mainstream success, but its reviews are a little weak for a limited release. There are a couple documentaries that are earning better reviews, Addiction Incorporated and Corman's World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel, both of which deserve to find success. However, documentaries rarely manage to hit any major milestones in limited release.

Addiction Incorporated - Reviews
A documentary about the tobacco industry in the 1970s and a research scientist, who was given the task of coming up with a safer alternative to nicotine. Instead he managed to prove cigarettes were addictive, something the industry was fighting against for a long time. The film is earning good reviews, but with the number of Oscar-worthy films floating around in limited release at the moment, good might not be good enough. Addiction Incorporated opened on Wednesday at the Film Forum in New York City.

Carnage - Reviews
This film was earning some strong advanced buzz and some were even arguing it would an Awards Season player. However, while it picked up a couple Golden Globe nominations, it's Tomatometer Score has sunk to just 70% positive. That's good for a wide release, but weak for a limited release. The film's acting pedigree (the four main cast members have earned a combined four Oscar wins and twelve nominations) could help it thrive this weekend, but I'm unsure about the film's long term chances. Carnage opens tonight in five theaters, three in New York City and two in the Los Angeles area, while it has a major expansion in January.

Cook County - Reviews
Abe is a 17-year old boy trying to beat his meth addiction, which is hard because of his abusive uncle, who is a meth addict with no interest in coming clean. When Abe's father gets out of prison, he too is looking to get clean, the family reunion could be explosive. Cook County opens tonight in five theaters, three in New York City and two in the Los Angeles area.

Corman's World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel - Reviews
A documentary about one of the most prolific filmmakers in the history of the movie business. Roger Corman has credits on no fewer than 400 movies, including credits for writing, directing and producing. It's great to see the King of the B-movies the focus of an A-level documentary and hopefully it will be seen by lots of people. Corman's World opens tonight at the City Cinemas Village East in New York City and the Nuart Theatre in Los Angeles.

Footprints - Reviews
Just a quick note since the film opened in limited release in April. This week it plays at the Roxie in San Francisco starting this weekend. Plus, tonight there is a Q&A session with the director, as an added bonus.


-

Filed under: Limited Releases, Footprints, Carnage, Corman's World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel, Cook County, Addiction Incorporated