Upcoming Theatrical Releases
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28
The Family
Director: Luc Besson
R; 112 mins.
Trailer
In the off-beat action comedy “The Family,” a mafia boss and his family are relocated to a sleepy town in France under the witness protection program after snitching on the mob. Despite the best efforts of Agent Stansfield (Tommy Lee Jones) to keep them in line, Fred Manzoni (Robert DeNiro), his wife Maggie (Michelle Pfeiffer) and their children Belle (Dianna Agron) and Warren (John D’Leo) can’t help but revert to old habits and blow their cover by handling their problems the “family” way, enabling their former mafia cronies to track them down. Chaos ensues as old scores are settled in the unlikeliest of settings in this darkly funny film by Luc Besson (Taken, Transporter). (Synopsis by Relativity Media)
Calling this a comedy is stretching it–an “overly violent movie with comedy tendencies” is probably closer to the truth. It’s highly predictable and mostly unenjoyable; wait for the DVD release.
Insidious: Chapter 2
Director: James Wan
PG-13; 105 mins.
Trailer
The famed horror team of director James Wan and writer Leigh Whannell reunite with the original cast of Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye and Ty Simpkins in INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 2, a terrifying sequel to the acclaimed horror film, which follows the haunted Lambert family as they seek to uncover the mysterious childhood secret that has left them dangerously connected to the spirit world. (Synopsis by Film District)
Even horror fans are going to have a hard time with this one. Only the fans that bought into the ending of the first film will be able to see past the over-the-top silliness.
Upcoming DVD Releases
Peeples
Director: Tina Gordon Chism
PG-13; 94 mins.
Trailer
Sparks fly in the Hamptons when “regular guy” Wade Walker (Craig Robinson) crashes the preppy Peeples family reunion to ask for their precious daughter Grace’s (Kerry Washington) hand in marriage. Wade might be a fish out of water among this picture-perfect East Coast clan always trying to keep up appearances, but he’s not about to let himself sink. Instead, in a wild weekend of fun, dysfunction and hilarious surprises, Wade is about to discover there’s room for all kinds of Peeples in this family, no matter their differences. Writer and first-time director Tina Gordon Chism (writer of DRUMLINE) joins forces with Tyler Perry to present a laugh-out-loud look at the family ties that freak us out . . . but bind us together with love. (Synopsis by Lionsgate)
The overabundance of cheap humor is saved only by the likeable cast. The characters have no connection to reality, making any of the film’s learning moments feel rote. It is generally likeable, but has no substance.
Star Trek Into Darkness
Director: J.J. Abrams and Alan J. Abrams
PG-13; 131 mins.
Trailer
In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes ‘Star Trek Into Darkness.’ When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew. (Synopsis by Paramount)
There is little of the original series’ exploration or ethos here; it’s been replaced with explosions, crashes, and bickering between crew members. It is fun to watch, but the plot doesn’t really make sense if you think about it too much. Then again, fun is the entire point. Grab some popcorn.
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