Three movies are opening in wide release this weekend:
Opening in most theaters is the thriller Contraband directed by Baltasar Kormakur and starring Mark Wahlberg, Kate Beckinsale, Ben Foster, Lukas Haas, Giovanni Ribisi, Diego Luna and J.K. Simmons. Clinton Shorter (District 9) has written the music for the film. Back Lot Music has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score, as well as the movie’s songs performed by J Roddy Walston and the Business, Eli “Paperboy” Reed and The True Loves, Ryan Shaw, The Heavy and Big Head Todd & The Monsters. For the full soundtrack details and to listen to audio clips, visit our previous article.
Also coming out this weekend is the gospel-choir comedy Joyful Noise written and directed by Todd Graff and stars Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Keke Palmer, Kris Kristofferson, Courtney B. Vance and Jesse L. Martin. The film’s score is written by Mervyn Warren who also arranged and produced the film’s songs performed by the cast. Watertower Music has released a soundtrack featuring the songs, as well as a score suite. For audio clips and more information, visit our soundtrack announcement. For a video interview with Warren, visit Trailer Addict and also check out another interview with the composer on The Huffington Post’s website, as well a video from the scoring sessions on Movieweb.
Also opening nationwide is the 3D re-release of the Academy Award-nominated Disney classic Beauty and the Beast directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise. Alan Menken has written the film’s songs and score with Howard Ashman writing the lyrics. No new soundtrack album has been announced for the 3D version, but the most recent soundtrack edition from Walt Disney Records is available both physically and digitally on Amazon. Also still available is the special edition soundtrack version featuring additional tracks. For more information about the 3D re-release, visit Disney’s official movie website.
Opening in limited release is the comedy drama Loosies directed by Michael Corrente and starring Peter Facinelli, Jaimie Alexander, Vincent Gallo, Michael Madsen, William Forsythe and Joe Pantoliano. The score for the film is written by Chad Fischer (Garden State, The Rocker). No soundtrack album is available. The movie about a young New York pickpocket who is confronted by a woman with whom he has a passionate one-night affair is also available on VOD. To watch the trailer and learn more about the film, visit IFC’s movie website.
Also receiving a release in select cities is the Tilda Swinton-starring drama We Need to Talk About Kevin (featuring music by Jonny Greenwood), which already received an Oscar-qualifying run last month and was featured in our weekly roundup on December 9.
