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Showing posts with label Coming Soon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coming Soon. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Coming Soon: 5/17/13

I didn't go to the theater last week.  Instead I stayed home and watched some awesome movies.  I also bought Fists of Fury and Gojira at my local discount book store.  Now that's what I call a good weekend.  So what's coming out this week?

1) STAR TREK - INTO DARKNESS: The crew of the Enterprise must face an internal threat to the Federation.

The Good: Watch the trailer.  Action.  Glorious action.

The Bad: It's still this "alternate reality" Star Trek.

Final Thoughts: I could go on forever about why I think this "alternate reality" is a bad idea.  I know why they did it; to attract a new base of fans.  Generally speaking, I want to see the Star Trek universe expand and grow; not necessarily start from the beginning except radically different.  I think this is going to be a very good movie.  But I'm afraid I'm just going to be one of those guys that just can't enjoy it as much as I would like; not because of anything particularly wrong with the movie itself, but just what it isn't the Star Trek I grew up watching.  It's completely unfair.  I acknowledge that.  It's just how I feel.

2) ERASED: An ex-CIA agent and his daughter are targeted for termination and they must fight to stay alive.

The Good: I don't know.  How much did you like Taken?

The Bad: It's about as formulaic a story as it gets. 

Final Thoughts: It's not worth your time.

See you at the movies

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Coming Soon: 5/10/13

Last week was the debut of Iron Man 3.  I actually saw it.  I really liked it.  I've heard a lot of negatives about it as well, but it's always qualified by "but it's fun."  And yes some of the stuff Tony Stark does isn't what I would call intelligent.  And I heard someone say that if they were writing this movie, the villain would be the old girlfriend.  I don't want to go too deep into it here but it's something I'm thinking of tackling in one of my way past due editorials.  In the meantime, here's what is coming out this week.

1) THE GREAT GATSBY: The classic story of the lives of the super rich and high tragedy.

The Good: Leo DiCaprio is the kind of actor who can make any movie better.

The Bad: Baz Luhrmann.  Nothing else needs to be said.

Final Thoughts: Baz Luhrmann is the kind of director that is the epitome of style over substance.  If you don't believe me, watch Moulin Rouge.  I can only imagine how he screws up a classic story like this.  Oh wait.  I don't have to.  I just have to remember how big an egg he laid with Romeo + Juliet.

2) PEEPLES: A "regular guy" asks the patriarch of a preppy east coast family for his daughter's hand in marriage.  And hilarity ensues.

The Good: Craig Robinson is a hilarious guy.

The Bad: Every thing else.

Final Thoughts: The story is cliché, the actors are B list at best, and... screw it with being nice... it's Meet The Parents.  This is just Meet The Parents but without  Ben Stiller and Bobby De Niro or any of the charm.  And that movie SUCKED!

See you at the movies

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Coming Soon: 5/3/13

Hey there friends.  It's been a busy week.  Lots happening.  And now to take a look at movies coming out this week. 

1) IRON MAN 3: Iron Man faces his greatest villain: The Mandarin.

The Good: This movie is so full of surprises I don't know how it can be contained in 2 hours.

The Bad: I can definitely see how they packed too much into this one movie.

Final Thoughts: I can't wait.  I'm really psyched to see it.

2) THE ICEMAN: Based on the true story of a contract killer.

The Good: Richard Kuklinski is a very interesting and complex person.

The Bad: It's a bit cliché to have a story about a loving family man/contract killer these days.  Even if it is "based on a true story".

Final Thoughts: It might be a good watch.  Give it a try.

See you at the movies.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Coming Soon: 4/26/13

Last weekend was a good one.  I went to two different movies, 42 and Evil Dead.  42 was good, and Evil Dead wasn't.  You can read my reviews for yourself but for now it's time to look forward to what is coming out this week.

1) PAIN AND GAIN: Based on a true story about two personal trainers who get caught up in a criminal enterprise gone wrong.

The Good: Mark Wahlberg is always good for a few laughs.

The Bad: Mark Wahlberg + Dwayne Johnson + Ken Jeong + Michael Bay = Disaster of the highest order.

Final Thoughts: The best actor in this whole movie is Ed Harris and he hasn't been in a good movie in about 10 years.  My boycott of Ken Jeong continues.  Nor will I waste my money to see a Michael Bay movie in the theaters.

2) THE BIG WEDDING: In order to please the mother of the bride, the groom's parents have to pretend to like each other.

The Good: It's an all-star cast of comedians.

The Bad: It's an all-star cast of comedians with no direction and nothing to do except act zainy.

Final Thoughts: How is it Pain and Gain isn't the worst movie coming out this week?

Everyone, save your money and go see Iron Man 3 next week.
See you at the movies.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Coming Soon: 4/10/13

I hope everyone's week is going well.  My week so far has been fairly interesting.  I've been hitting it hard at the gym and in karate class.  Mostly waiting for any interesting movie to hit theaters.  Will there be anything worth seeing this week?

1) 42: The story of Jackie Robinson's iconic life and his breaking of the color barrier in professional sports.

The Good: It's a biopic about one of the most influential people in American history.  And it's baseball!

The Bad: I can very easily see how this movie can get too preachy and not let accomplishments speak for themselves.

Final Thoughts: I'd recommend seeing it.  Especially for sports fans looking to learn about Jackie Robinson.

2) SCARY MOVIE 5: Yet another lampoon of horror movies

The Good: What the hell is wrong with you?  Why would you even consider watching this?

The Bad: Were the other 4 not bad enough?  They had to make another?  Good luck figuring out a plot based on the trailers!

Final Thoughts: I'd rather have my nose hairs burned out of my head than be anywhere near this movie.  And by the way, is anyone ever going to call out how racist these movies are?

See you at the movies

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Coming Soon: 4/5/13

Surprisingly, there isn't a whole lot making it out to theaters this week.  Well, here's what we can look forward to seeing:

1) JURASSIC PARK 3D: The Stephen Spielberg classic sci-fi movie about a dinosaur zoo gone horribly wrong is back in theaters.

The Good: The visuals are amazing and seeing it in IMAX and 3D will be awesome.

The Bad: The acting leaves something to be desired.

Final Thoughts: It's a great movie and everyone should see the T-Rex in 3D.

2) EVIL DEAD: The remake of the classic cult movie about a couple in the woods finding a book of pure evil.

The Good: It looks like a very scary movie.

The Bad: It doesn't seem to have the humor of the original movie.

Final Thoughts: I'd rather watch the original.  If for no other reason than to watch Bruce Campbell.

See you at the movies

Monday, March 25, 2013

Coming Soon: 3/29/13

Hello and welcome back to the fun and games that is my website.  I'm back, and I'm ready to go.  Here's what is coming out this week.

1) G.I. JOE RETALIATION: Not only must they continue their never ending fight with Cobra, but now they struggle with elements within the US government.

The Good: There's a lot of solid action.

The Bad: Did you even see the first one? 

Final Thoughts: The first G.I. Joe movie was horrible.  My expectations for this one are just as low and that might be a good thing. 

2) THE HOST: A story of how love conquers all involving alien body snatchers.

The Good: Not...a...thing...

The Bad: It's another Stephanie Meyer abomination meant to attract 12-year-old girls.

Final Thoughts: Guys, bring a book.  Pre-teen girls, have fun.  If nothing else it will be good for a few laughs.

3) TEMPTATION: A look at the nature of lust and infidelity.

The Good: Oh you have got to be kidding me.

The Bad: The original title was Tyler Perry's Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor.  Yeah.  That's about the quality of this movie.

Final Thoughts: Tyler Perry just needs to stop.  He's a terrible writer/director.

This is normally where I say "see you at the movies" but I'd recommend against it this week.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Coming Soon: 3/8/13

Ever have that feeling like you just can't catch a break?  This week I caught a cold, and then my computer died on me.  Well, I'm feeling fine now and my computer is working so here is what is coming out today.

1) OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL: A prequel to the classic movie The Wizard of Oz.

The Good: It's a good cast and hopefully a good addition to the old Judy Garland movie.

The Bad: It looks to rely more on computer effects to establish setting more than genuine atmosphere.

Final Thoughts: The original 1939 movie had purpose behind it.  Dorothy in Oz was also a trip through her own mind. The Wizard of Oz was just as much a musical as it was a standard movie.  The sequel Return to Oz, while more faithful to the source material, was a much darker type story and one not many were accustomed to.  Everyone my age has seen The Wizard of Oz at least once and I can't imagine many people asking for a prequel to a movie made over 70 years ago.  I'm planning to see it, but I'm going in with guarded optimism.

2) DEAD MAN DOWN: Two strangers find love as they both search for revenge.

The Good: Director Niels Arden Oplev and Noomi Rapace just killed it in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo trilogy in Sweden. 

The Bad: It's being promoted by the WWE.  Not exactly a mark of quality.

Final Thoughts: WWE studios has yet to make a movie worth the celluloid it's printed on but then again I think Noomi Rapace is a brilliant actress and Oplev is a gifted director.  My needle is leaning towards the 'go see it' but only slightly.

See you at the movies

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Coming Soon: 3/1/13

It takes way too long to get a pair of glasses.  Yeah I've been killing it at the gym and karate class lately and I still don't have my new glasses so I haven't been to the theater lately.  And honestly I don't think you or I are missing anything.  It's usually around April or May before any really great movies come out.  But let's look at what is coming out this week.

1) 21 AND OVER: With an important college interview coming up, a young man's friends take him out for a night of drinking and debauchery.

The Good: It's written and directed by the guys who did the Hangover.

The Bad: There is absolutely no difference between this and Hangover.

Final Thoughts: The Hangover has better actors and it's the same movie.  Just substitute college interview with wedding and it's the same movie.  Just watch The Hangover.

2) JACK THE GIANT SLAYER: A different take on the classic story.  Instead of Jack being a thief stealing from and killing a giant, it's instead a war against an invading army.

The Good: It's a movie that defies reviewing.  It's a stupid B movie with only one goal.  Being stupid and entertaining.

The Bad: It's a junk food action/comedy.  You are either in on the joke or you are not.

Final Thoughts: Just wait.  Someone will write Little Bo Peep Chupacabra Hunter.  If they don't, then I will.

3) PHANTOM: A cold-war era Soviet submarine captain is haunted by his past as he just might be the guy to spark world war III.

The Good: The cast is full of stars from the '80s and '90s that most people have forgotten how good they are.  (David Fichtner, Ed Harris, David Duchovny, and Lance Henriksen)

The Bad: Most movie goers in the key demographic (18-25) have no idea what the cold war was or ever watched The X-Files, The Abyss, or Alien.

Final Thoughts: I'm not expecting a great story, but these are the guys I'd pay to see do what they do best.

4) THE LAST EXORCISM PART II: The 'sequel' to the original Last Exorcism movie about a kid possessed by demonic forces.

The Good: One of the more surprising movies from a few years ago, The Last Exorcism, it's a more grounded version of The Exorcist.

The Bad: This wasn't a movie calling for a sequel.  And nobody is buying the 'part 2' thing.  It's a sequel.  Deal with it.

Final Thoughts: The first one was great and I really hope this one is better.

See you at the movies

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Coming Soon: 2/22/13

I don't have much of a segway this week.  I'm still dealing with my eye troubles.  Can't really get to the theater just yet.  I am planning on a weekend creature feature because Pumpkinhead is on TV this weekend.  I might do a review of that.  In the meantime, here's what we can look forward to this week.

1) SNITCH: A father agrees to go undercover in a drug cartel to lower his son's time in jail for selling drugs.

The Good: A B movie with a lot of explosions.

The Bad: It's The Rock trying to act again.

Final Thoughts: It's a stupid B movie with lots of action and a rediculous story.  It should be a lot of fun.

2) DARK SKIES: A supernatural thriller where a family is targeted by unexplained phenomena.

The Good: It's a short movie.

The Bad: It's a mix of Paranormal Activity and Mirrors with atrociously bad acting and really bad effects.

Final Thoughts: Save your money rather than see this turkey.

See you at the movies

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Coming Soon: 2/15/13

I'm so sorry I just haven't seen many movies so far this year.  And it might be a little while longer.  I just injured my eye.  It's nothing serious but it hurts to look at any kind of screen for too long.  Luckily there isn't anything too interesting for a while.  I hope you understand I need a little time to heal.  But here's what is coming out this week.

1) A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD: John McClane travels to Moscow with his son and things go awry.

The Good: It's always nice to see Bruce Willis playing John McClane.

The Bad: This is a franchise that has long since worn out it's welcome. 

Final Thoughts: I absolutely love the first Die Hard movie.  The third is pretty good too.  But the second and the fourth are just tedious.  I've seen them all and I'm probably destined to see this one as well.

2) BEAUTIFUL CREATURES: A romance story with a supernatural twist.

The Good: It's an escapist romance story.

The Bad: How is this any different than Twilight?

Final Thoughts: I have absolutely no interest in this movie.  Even with Jeremy Irons in it.

3) SAFE HAVEN: The story of a woman struggling to fit in her new town and find love again.

The Good: Might be good for a Valentine's Day date.

The Bad: A questionable cast and a cliche love story.

Final Thoughts: Thanks but no thanks.

4) ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH: An alien hero comes to Earth and is captured by the US Government.

The Good: A great cast of comedians and some funny scenes.

The Bad: Movies like these are becoming a dime a dozen.

Final Thoughts: A good movie for the kids and might get some chuckles out of adults as well.

See you at the movies.

Monday, February 4, 2013

Coming Soon: 2/8/13

I was excited to go see Stand Up Guys but of course it isn't playing in all theaters.  So, the theater I usually go to isn't showing it.  I still plan to see it but it means going a little further out of my way.  It's inconvenient.  Nothing more.  I've also heard a lot of buzz around Movie 43.  Many people with opinions I hold in high regard are calling this one of the worst movies they have ever seen.  Given the types of movies I've seen, I don't know if I'd call it the worst movie, but it has my attention.  Any movie being called "the worst" I have to see for myself just to see how bad it is.  Plus it makes for a fun read on my website.  So I might see it.  I certainly don't recommend you see it. 

That aside, here's what we can look forward to this week.

1) IDENTITY THIEF: A con-woman steals a man's identity which leads to a wild manhunt.

The Good: I've got nothing.

The Bad: It's a one note joke stretched to 90 minutes with horrible actors.

Final Thoughts: See at your own risk.

2) SIDE EFFECTS: A new anti-anxiety drug has unexpected side effects.

The Good: It's a smart thriller much like Contagion that has a good idea, a good cast, and Steven Soderbergh.

The Bad: It all rests on the movie's ability to tell a focused story.

Final Thoughts: Definately worth seeing.

3) TOP GUN 3D: The re-release of the 1986 pop culture hit about an ace pilot and his struggles to prove he is the best.

The Good: It's an amazingly heartfelt movie with some great airplane stunts.

The Bad: I can't imagine it's aged will.  Plus I'm not all that psyched to see the volleyball scene in 3D.

Final Thoughts: I have the movie on DVD.  I don't care that much about 3D.  I'd still recommend it if you haven't seen it, but it's cheaper to buy the DVD.

See you at the movies.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Coming Soon: 2/1/13

This month has been amazing.  I started going to a gym to help me lose weight plus I've had to really think about my future.  I won't bore you with the details but it's something that has occupied my time and going to the theaters to see a bad movie just didn't happen.  From the looks of it I didn't miss much.  Let's see what we have in store this week.

1) WARM BODIES: An odd take on the Zombie mythos as a zombie starts to regain his humanity.

The Good: It's a cheeky comedy with an interesting idea.

The Bad: Just another zombie movie coupled with a love story.

Final Thoughts: If done well, this kind of movie can be really good.  I've seen it done well with Zombie Honeymoon.  It might be worth it as a rental.

2) BULLET TO THE HEAD: A hitman teams up with a cop to track down their partner's killers.

The Good: A cheesy action comedy with Sylvester Stallone.

The Bad: Same old, same old.

Final Thoughts: I wouldn't expect great cinema, but maybe a good popcorn flick.

3) STAND UP GUYS: When a criminal gets out of prison, he's picked up by one of his old buddies.  Then they must confront their past.

The Good: Al Pacino, Alan Arkin, and "The Man" Christopher Walken.  Enough said.

The Bad: I don't care.  It has Christopher Walken and Al Pacino.

Final Thoughts: Can't wait.

See you at the movies

Monday, January 21, 2013

Coming Soon: 1/25/13

January really sucks.  Right now the weather is so foggy it's hard to get motivated to do anything.  Plus there's a lot of really bad movies out.  When catching Bloodrayne: The Third Reich on tv is an acceptable Friday night, you know there are problems.  Are there any good movies this week to shake up the week long greys?  Let's see:

1) HANSEL AND GRETEL - WITCH HUNTERS: The two German children who ran afoul of a witch in a Gingerbread house when they were kids have now grown up and killing witches is their job.

The Good: It's in the same vein as Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.

The Bad: This movie defies reviewing.  It's either funny or not.

Final Thoughts: I want to see it just because trash movies like this are a guilty pleasure.  Just wait!  Next it's going to be Joan of Arc: Mummy Hunter or Attila: Zombie Slayer

2) MOVIE 43: A pulp fiction type movie filled with offensive humor.

The Good: Lots of great actors.

The Bad: It's just offensive humor.  No rhyme or reason. 

Final Thoughts: Movies like this live and die on the idea of shock value.  There's nothing more to it than that.  It's not worth my time or yours.

3) PARKER: Jason Statham is back to kick butt as a bank robber who is betrayed by his partner.  Now he's out for revenge.

The Good: It's Statham.  Funny quips, great action, and a cheesy '80s style story.

The Bad: If you aren't a fan, it won't win converts. 

Final Thoughts: I feel cursed to watch every Jason Statham movie that comes out.  Most of his movies I hate, but I'm just waiting for that next great gem amongst the crap. 

4) JOHN DIES AT THE END: A wild new drug is on the streets and aliens are in the skies.  It's up to two High School drop outs to save the world.  Can they?  Probably not.

The Good: This is going to be a trippy movie.  Lot's of drug induced images.

The Bad: Don't expect a coherent story.

Final Thoughts: This might just be the best movie out there this month.  If you can get in to it.  It won't be for the casual movie goer.

See you at the movies.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Coming Soon: 1/18/13

I'm sorry I'm so late with this.  Normally I like to get these out on Mondays but this week was just crazy.  I got busy.  I got sick.  And it's January and there's very little good out there anyway.  Lots of excuses I know.  I apologize.  So, groveling aside, here's what is coming out this week.

1) MAMA: Two girls have their mother killed and something is haunting them.  Is it their mother?

The Good: This is an old school style horror flick.  Much more emphasis on atmosphere and less on gore.

The Bad: It's still just about every ghost story you've ever heard.

Final Thoughts: It's worth a shot.  I can't imagine it winning many converts though.

2) THE LAST STAND: An LAPD cop moves to a sleepy little burg to be the sheriff of a small town where crime doesn't happen too often.  Until drug runners come roaring through his town.

The Good: It's an old school '80s style action movie.  Perfect for a guy like Schwarzenegger.

The Bad: There isn't much to it other than big explosions and car chases.

Final Thoughts: If I had to pick a movie worth seeing this month, this might be it.

3) BROKEN CITY: A private detective is hired by the mayor to follow the mayor's wife.

The Good: Marky Mark?

The Bad: It's a movie that wants to be drama but only gives melodrama.

Final Thoughts: Might be fun, but I doubt it.

See you at the movies.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Coming Soon: 1/11/13

I tried to force myself to go see Texas Chainsaw.  I just couldn't do it.  The very idea of it is just so awful.  And if what I'm hearing is true, this might just be the worst thing that ever happened to a beloved slasher since Michael Myers started dreaming of white horses.  Yeah, expect an editorial on how Hollywood tries in vain to build a franchise around horror characters and fail miserably.  But in the meantime, let's see what is coming out this week.

1) ZERO DARK THIRTY: The story of the SEAL team that finally killed Osama Bin Laden.

The Good: A dramatic look at the most famous manhunt in American history.

The Bad: A lot has been criticized about this movie for the inclusion of torture interrogations and possibly leaked intelligence to the screenwriters not given to Congress.

Final Thoughts: Politics of this movie aside, it's one of those movies I think should be a must see.  For as much evil as he's done, he changed this country and there was no more cathartic moment in the last 12 years than when the manhunt ended.

2) GANGSTER SQUAD: A story based on the famous gangster Mickey Cohen and his Los Angeles empire being threatened by ambitious and brave police officers.

The Good: It looks like a great gangster movie featuring a very interesting gangster.

The Bad: I doubt very highly this is going to be historically accurate.

Final Thoughts: Mickey Cohen is an interesting guy.  He started as a boxer, then a brief associate of Al Capone and Bugsy Seigel.  He was a violent guy to be sure, but it was Bugsy that really controlled Los Angeles at that time.  Cohen was the muscle.  And what happened to Cohen to end his "criminal empire" isn't all that thrilling.  I'd recommend the 1991 movie Bugsy personally.  In that one Harvey Keitel is Mickey Cohen.

3) A HAUNTED HOUSE: A parody of found footage horror movies.

The Good: You will save so much money by not even going to see it.

The Bad: Do you really want to get me started?  Let's just say the very notion of this movie pisses me off.

Final Thoughts: There's a difference between a "parody" and a "rip-off".  Mel Brooks did parodies.  Marlon Wayans does rip-offs.  Very unfunny rip-offs.  Just a quick question: how is this movie different from, say... Scary Movie?  Did anyone like Scary Movie?  Or any of the sequels? 

See you at the movies.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Coming Soon: 1/4/13

New year has come and passed.  I'm glad everyone survived the Mayan 2012 apocalypse.  I just have to ask: did anyone really take that seriously?  Anyway, there's plenty of movies coming up.  Not many good ones unfortunately.  But here is what you can see this weekend.

1) TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D: Leatherface terrorizes teenagers.

The Good: It's torture porn for gore hounds.

The Bad: Just how many unncecessary remakes are they going to make? 

Final Thoughts: *apologies this is longer than it should be* When I think of poorly produced, badly thought out, and totally disrespected movies we eventually come to the horror/slasher genre.  Many people think all you need is an unkillable bad guy and a high body count and it will be a success.  There's a reason the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre was a huge success and it wasn't because of the body count or gallons of blood.  It's because a movie like that hadn't ever been done before in 1974.  Texas Chainsaw Massacre is in many ways the original slasher movie.  A killer whose face we never really see, obsessive compulsive motives for killing, using power tools as instruments of distruction instead of creation.  It was as much a psychological thriller as it was a "slasher" movie.  It was a portrait of pure evil inspired by a real life serial killer, Ed Gein.  A killer who not only inspired Leatherface, but also Buffalo Bill and Norman Bates.  It's not the blood, it's not the overly staged death scenes, it's not the computer effects, and it's not the body counts.  It's about experiencing evil.  Some people can't tell the difference.  Nowadays the "slasher" movies drown out the idea of pure evil and instead just show carnage as the actors involved cash in an easy paycheck and hopefully launch their careers.  And yes I said easy and I mean it.  How hard is it to act scared?  It's one of the most basic human emotions out there?  Here's your character motivation:  He's scary and wants to kill you.  Act scared and run away.  OSCAR PLEASE!  It's why they get little known talent to do these movies.  It doesn't take much skill to act scared and they can produce movies like these for relatively cheap.  Add in the fact they can slap the name Texas Chainsaw on it and throw in a big hulking guy and call him Leatherface to trick audiences into thinking this is in any way going to be as good as the original.  It's a horror movie not good enough to be released anywhere near October.  You tell me how good you think it is.

2) A DARK TRUTH: A former CIA operative turned talk show host is hired by a whistle blower to expose human rights abuses by the whistle blower's company.

The Good: It has that one guy from Diary of a Wimpy Kid?

The Bad: This is an action movie with all the subtlety of Ferngully.

Final Thoughts: So not interested.

3) VS: A group of super heroes do battle with the arch nemesis they believed was dead.

The Good: I have no idea.

The Bad: It's written, directed and starring the same guy.  Not a good sign.

Final Thoughts: It's a small, independant movie by a guy and his friends looking to catch a break.  Give it a chance.

See you at the movies

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Coming Soon: 12/21/12

With Christmas quickly approaching, it's been extremely hard to get to the theaters.  I still want to see The Hobbit and part of me still wants to see Red Dawn.  If for no other reason just to see how bad it really is.  I've seen a couple movies on TV, one last night I saw called Zombie Honeymoon.  That was a movie that has no business being as good as it was.  But let's check out what we can expect in theaters this week.

1) MONSTERS, INC 3D: Monsters work in the scare factory until their worst nightmare comes true... MAN!!!!

The Good: I'm sure you've seen it before.  This is a re-release of a wonderful movie.

The Bad: There's not much there in the way of surprises.

Final Thoughts: A very imaginative movie with some great characters.  Kids of all ages will love it.

2) THIS IS 40: A woman with a husband and kids turns 40 and doesn't take it well. 

The Good: We all have an experience like this at some point in our lives where we reflect on our lives and realize we aren't young anymore.

The Bad: It's a lowest common denominator type of comedy.

Final Thoughts: The director is Judd Apatow.  His movies are so hit-or-miss.  But when they work, they are really funny.  Knocked Up is what made him famous as a director.  And this is the sequel to Knocked Up.  I see nothing immediately appealing about it but it's worth a shot.

3) JACK REACHER: An ex-military sniper is accused of killing five people.  He must clear his name by finding the real killer using all his cunning.

The Good: It's Tom Cruise doing what he does best.  Action.

The Bad: I've seen movies like this a million times.  Lather, rinse, repeat.

Final Thoughts: Sorry, but how is this movie different than The Fugitive, Mission Impossible, The Jackyl, Assassins, The Professional, Sherlock Holmes, just about every Steven Segal movie, and a whole slew of others that even came out this year?  Give me something original or don't make the movie.  Not interested.

4) THE GUILT TRIP: An inventor goes on the road with his mom to sell his invention.

The Good: It has Barbara Streisand and Seth Rogan.  When he wants to Seth Rogan can be a great actor.

The Bad: It's yet another road trip comedy with an odd couple getting into hilarious hyjinks.  *yawn*

Final Thoughts: Would be good for a rental but I'm not wasting my evening watching this.

See you at the movies

Monday, December 10, 2012

Coming Soon: 12/14/12

Oh the big one is here!  There are of course some other movies coming out that are not The Hobbit and I suppose I should take a look at them.  Come on people!  Are you really interested in anything other than The Hobbit this week?  Okay, here we go.

1) THE HOBBIT: The strange encounter of a wizard and a hobbit that led to a grand adventure.

The Good: It's The Hobbit.  It's Peter Jackson.  Andy Serkis is back as Gollum.  What's not to like?

The Bad: It's a 3 hour movie and covers roughly the first 100 pages of the book.

Final Thoughts: I'm REALLY excited to see this movie.  But I totally understand when people say it is boring as hell.  It's a really long movie and it's going to be lacking in action compared to the next two Hobbit movies.

2) ANY DAY NOW: The true story of how in the 1970s a gay couple try to adopt an orphaned child with down syndrome.

The Good: It's heartfelt, it has a message that pertains to today, and I'm sure incredibly well done.

The Bad: It's coming out the same day as The Hobbit.

Final Thoughts: It's an Oscar grabber.  That's not necessarily a bad thing, but just the fact that it's coming out the same day as The Hobbit will hurt it's box office sales.  But give this one a watch.  It might surprise you.

3) SAVE THE DATE: A woman about to get married breaks up with her boyfriend and finds herself in a hot rebound romance.  She must decide if it's better to be single or take a chance at love.

The Good: It's probably not going to be in most theaters.

The Bad: I hate what this movie represents.

Final Thoughts: This is a movie that wants to be a modern romance but doesn't understand what that means.  It assumes women stay single because it's fun and "safe"; whatever that means.  And you know how this ends.  She "takes a chance at love."  Whatever that means.  So if being single is fun and safe, doesn't that mean marriage is boring and 'unsafe'?  Ask anyone who is married if their life is boring and 'unsafe'.  I plan to stay away from this one.

See you at the movies

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Coming Soon: 12/7/12

I struggled with if I should write this week's "coming soon" article or not.  Mostly because there really isn't any movies coming out with any big media push to them.  Plus the intial reviews are not all that positive.  I was just thinking if I should waste your time giving my inital impressions of movies you probably aren't going to watch.  Then when I actually sat down to write this article, something happened and it deleted about half of it.  So, yeah I'm not too pleased.  Here's what is coming out.

1) PLAYING FOR KEEPS: A down on his luck soccer player tries to rebuild his life by coaching his kid's youth soccer team.

The Good: There's a lot of talented actresses in this.  Jessica Biel, Uma Thurman, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

The Bad: How insulting is this movie to women?  When they really have no fuction as people other than to throw themselves at the hot soccer stud?

Final Thoughts: It's a rom/com.  And one I think takes itself way too seriously at times.

2) HYDE PARK ON HUDSON: The story of when the King and Queen of England went to America to ask Franklin Roosevelt for aid in the upcoming war with Germany.

The Good: Bill Murray is in it.

The Bad: Everything else.

Final Thoughts: How can you turn something like the beginning moments of World War II into a comedy?  And then have a guy like Bill Murray playing FDR?  Why?

3) DEADFALL: Two casino robbers crash their car on the way to Canada and go on the run.

The Good: Olivia Wilde is in it.

The Bad: What kind of crap are they just throwing against the wall now?

Final Thoughts: I love Olivia Wilde.  She's an amazing actress.  But there's no saving this movie. 

4) LAY THE FAVORITE: A professional sports bettor finds a former stripper turned Las Vegas coctail waitress who he believes is his good luck charm.  And then his wife gets jealous.  And she goes to New York and gets in trouble.

The Good: ...............................................................

The Bad: WTF!  Can we get a coherent story to go along with big name actors like Bruce Willis, Catherine Zeta-Jones?

Final Thoughts: Wouldn't watch this on a bet.

See you at the movies.