Reel News: Week of July 14 — Planes: Fire and Rescue, Sex Tape, The Purge: Anarchy, Under the Skin

Upcoming Theatrical Releases

Planes: Fire and Rescue
Director: Roberts Gannaway
PG; 84 mins.
Trailer

When Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he joins forces with fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, The Smokejumpers, to battle a massive wildfire. (Synopsis by IMDB)

About what you would expect if you saw the first installment: a lot of nothing. It’s “The Little Engine That Could” told with race cars and rescue equipment. This just isn’t up to the same storytelling and visual standards as other modern animated fare. Skip it.

Sex Tape
Director: Jake Kasdan
R; 90 mins.
Trailer

Jay (Jason Segel) and Annie (Cameron Diaz) are a married couple still very much in love, but ten years and two kids have cooled the passion. To get it back, they decide – why not? – to make a video of themselves trying out every position in THE JOY OF SEX in one marathon three-hour session. It seems like a great idea, until they discover that their most private video has gone public. In a panic, they begin a wild night of adventure – tracking down leads, roping in friends, duping Annie’s boss -all to reclaim their video, their reputation, their sanity, and, most importantly, their marriage. (Synopsis by Sony)

A big miss for Segel and Diaz who somehow got hoodwinked into being in this lazy, dull attempt at adult humor. For a raunchy comedy, it is far too tame. Skip it.

The Purge: Anarchy
Director: James DeMonaco
R; 104 mins.
Trailer

The New Founders of America invite you to celebrate your annual right to Purge. The Purge: Anarchy, the sequel to summer 2013’s sleeper hit that opened to No. 1 at the box-office, sees the return of writer/director James DeMonaco to craft the next terrifying chapter of dutiful citizens preparing for their country’s yearly 12 hours of anarchy. (Synopsis by Universal)

Problem #1: Not allowing critics to see this before the release date. Problem #2: Most likely a repeat of the first film’s war on thematic elements. A concept this good in theory shouldn’t be this bad. They have to get this right eventually? Right? Skip it.

Upcoming DVD Releases

Under the Skin
Director: Jonathan Glazer
R; 108 mins.
Trailer

A mysterious woman seduces lonely men in the evening hours in Scotland. Events lead her to begin a process of self-discovery. (Synopsis by IMDB)

A puzzling movie with shades of “The Man Who Fell to Earth.” This wonderfully mysterious art piece balances compelling narrative with open ended plot points, and it’s one of the better sci-fi films of the last few years. See it.