A multi-strand narrative set in early 1980’s Los Angeles, centered on an array of characters who represent both the top of the heap (a Hollywood dream merchant, a dissolute rock star, an aging newscaster) and the bottom (a voyeuristic doorman, an amoral ex-con). Connecting the intertwining strands are a group of beautiful, blonde young men and women who sleep all day and party all night, doing drugs — and one another –with abandon, never realizing that they are dancing on the edge of a volcano.

The rage for all things 1980s ends here, since Gregor Jordan’s adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’s novel was all but disowned by the Sundance set after its premiere back in January. The idea of a nearly always nude Amber Heard should not conjure up notions of it’s-so-bad-it’s-Showgirls-good here. Seriously, just move away and move on from this one.

Rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, drug use, pervasive language and some disturbing images.

Director: Gregor Jordan
Stars: Billy Bob Thornton, Kim Basinger, Mickey Rourke
Studio: Senator Distribution
Release Date: 1 May 2009 (Iceland)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Beautiful Carmen Colson and her ironworker husband Wayne are placed in the Federal Witness Protection program after witnessing an “incident”. Thinking they are at last safe, they are targeted by an experienced hit man and a psychopathic young upstart killer. The ensuing struggle will test Carmen to the limit.

This latest Elmore Leonard adaptation once earned acceptance into the world of “Quentin Tarantino Presents …” productions, but QT, who once turned EL’s novel Rum Punch into Jackie Brown, has since disassociated himself from John Madden’s first foray into thriller territory. Want to know why? Pity.

Rated R for violence, language and brief nudity.

Director: John Madden
Stars: Thomas Jane, Diane Lane, Mickey Rourke
Studio: The Weinstein Company
Release Date: 23 January 2009 (USA)

Back in the late ’80s, Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a headlining professional wrestler. Now, twenty years later, he ekes out a living performing for handfuls of diehard wrestling fans in high school gyms and community centers around New Jersey.

Estranged from his daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and unable to sustain any real relationships, Randy lives for the thrill of the show and the adoration of his fans. However, a heart attack forces him into retirement. As his sense of identity starts to slip away, he begins to evaluate the state of his life — trying to reconnect with his daughter, and striking up a blossoming romance with an exotic dancer (Marisa Tomei) who is ready to start a new life. Yet all this cannot compare to the allure of the ring and passion for his art, which threatens to pull Randy “The Ram” back into his world of wrestling.

I could come up with a dozen wrestling metaphors to describe Darren Aronofsky’s triumphant return to scrappy, independent, award-winning filmmaking, while I join the circle of whisperers who are guessing that Mickey Rourke will be up for Oscar glory here, but I’m, still hesitant. Though Aronofsky defied certain odds to get the movie made (eventually finding funding from the French foreign sales company who also backed Soderbergh’s four-hour Che Guevera biography), I feel as though The Wrestler is being groomed for Juno-like victory, and I’m just wondering if audiences will embrace the film. In fact, I know there are plenty of insiders who just sorta rolled their eyes at this one. However, I really hope I eat my own words, because I’m pro-Aronofsky, provided The Fountain can be ignored. (Which apparently it can’t, since Aronofsky is looking to remake that picture!)

Rated R for violence, sexuality/nudity, language and some drug use.