Upcoming Theatrical Releases
Jersey Boys
Director: Clint Eastwood
R; 134 mins.
Trailer
Clint Eastwood’s big screen version of the Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of the four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic `60s rock group The Four Seasons. Their trials and triumphs are accompanied by the hit songs that influenced a generation, and are now being embraced by a new generation of fans through the stage musical. (Synopsis by Warner Bros.)
A hit-or-miss drama that is best described as subdued. Eastwood doesn’t seem to quite grasp the essence of the material. While it is competent film-making, it doesn’t stand up to his other directorial works. Not memorable enough for the price of admission. Rent it.
Think Like a Man Too
Director: Tim Story
PG-13; 105 mins.
Trailer
In the highly anticipated sequel, which was inspired by Steve Harvey’s best-selling book Act Like a Lady, Think Like A Man, all the couples are back for a wedding in Las Vegas. But plans for a romantic weekend go awry when their various misadventures get them into some compromising situations that threaten to derail the big event. (Synopsis by Sony)
Did you like the first one? Then that is your basis for whether you need to see this. It deserves praise for at least breaking out of the “black comedy” trap that so many genre (Tyler Perry) films fall into. Kevin Hart is solid, but there isn’t enough of him (or of any character’s depth) to make this a good movie. Rent it.
The Rover
Director: David Michôd
R; 102 mins
Trailer
THE ROVER, David Michod’s highly anticipated follow-up to ANIMAL KINGDOM, is set in a world 10 years following the collapse of society. The rule of the law has disintegrated and life is cheap. The film follows hardened loner Eric (Guy Pearce) as he travels the desolate towns and roads of the outback. When a gang of thieves steals his car they leave behind a wounded Rey (Robert Pattinson) in their wake. Forcing Rey to help track the gang, Eric will go to any lengths to take back the one thing that stillmatters to him. Michod also wrote the film based on a story he conceived with Joel Edgerton. (Synopsis by A24)
A nominee for Cannes that makes a description of “minimalist art house” seem like an understatement. This isn’t a film for the average theater audience, but there is a lot to love here for those who don’t want all the answers spoon fed to them. Biggest surprise: Pattinson is fantastic. Worth a watch just to gain some respect for his acting skills. See it.
Upcoming DVD Releases
The Lego Movie
Director: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
PG; 101 mins.
Trailer
“The LEGO (R) Movie” is the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO (R) adventure. The original 3D computer animated story follows Emmet (Chris Pratt) an ordinary, rules- following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared. (Synopsis by Warner Bros.)
Full disclosure: I wrote this off when it first came out as mindless product placement despite my childhood love of the little blocks. And I was wrong—so very, very wrong. Consistently topping the lists of “Best Movies of 2014” and well-deserving of that prestige. It’s playful, clever, and a real joy to watch for kids and adults. Do yourself a solid and find a kid to watch this with for maximum enjoyment. See it.
“Everything is Awesome” about The Lego Movie!
I have watched it with my children 10 times.