Upcoming Theatrical Releases
Wednesday, July 3
The Lone Ranger
Director: Gore Verbinski
PG-13; 149 mins.
Trailer
From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, comes Disney/ Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “The Lone Ranger,” a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice-taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption. (Synopsis by Disney)
Sometimes you can overcome a production plagued with problems. Most of the time you end up with “The Lone Ranger”: two and a half hours of mind-numbing awfulness that will convince you that you too could have a future in screenwriting. It can’t be that hard if THIS got made. If you can make it through this without a “Wild Wild West” flashback, they should give your money back.
Despicable Me 2
Director: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud
PG; 95 mins.
Trailer
Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s worldwide blockbuster Despicable Me entertained audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million and becoming the 10th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. In summer 2013, get ready for more Minion madness in Despicable Me 2. Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help deal with a powerful new super criminal. (Synopsis by Universal & IMDB)
This is a mostly enjoyable film, despite being not well thought-out. The jokes are leftovers from the original, and the plot is virtually non-existent. But the gags do enough to push it forward and make you ignore the flaws. The kids will love it even if the adults find it too predictable.
Friday, July 5
Unfinished Song
Director:
PG-13; 93 mins.
Trailer
UNFINISHED SONG is the funny and uplifting story of Arthur (Terence Stamp), a curmudgeon old soul perfectly content with sticking to his dull daily routine until his beloved wife (Vanessa Redgrave) introduces him to a spirited local singing group led by the youthful and charming Elizabeth (Gemma Arterton). This unexpected friendship and his discovery of music revitalizes Arthur’s passion for new adventures and shows us all life should be celebrated at any age. (Synopsis by Weinstein)
A predictable, sappy showing that is part “Glee” and part “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” The target audience will eat this up, while the rest of us roll our eyes. Stick with “Young@Heart” as a better alternative.
Upcoming DVD Releases
No notable releases.
Tonto looks like an aborigine. Instead of just bird plop on his head, he has the whole bird. Chief Thundercloud and Jay Silverheels who both played Tonto in the old days were far better.