Reel News: Week of July 25 — Lucy, And So It Goes, Hercules, Wish I Was Here, Step Up: All In

Upcoming Theatrical Releases

Hercules
Director: Brett Ratner
PG-13; 100 mins.
Trailer

Paramount Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures’ film HERCULES, starring Dwayne Johnson, bows on July 25th. Based on Radical Comics’ Hercules by Steve Moore, this ensemble-action film is a revisionist take on the classic myth, HERCULES. The epic action film also stars Golden Globe Winner Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Joseph Fiennes, Peter Mullan and Academy Award (R)-nominee John Hurt. (Synopsis by Paramount)

This is entertainment; pure and simple. Don’t think about it too much. Don’t analyze. It isn’t memorable or particularly good—which is fine since it only needs to be fun to sell tickets. The Rock is perfect for the role, and plays it slightly tongue-in-cheek. Rent it.

Step Up: All In
Director: Trish Sie
PG-13; 112 mins.
Trailer

In the next exciting chapter of the international phenomenon STEP UP, all-stars from previous installments come together in glittering Las Vegas, battling for a victory that could define their dreams and their careers (Synopsis by Lionsgate)

A better title: “Step Up: All Over.” Just when you thought this franchise was dead, here comes anoth… wait a minute. How is this a nearly two-hour movie?!? How many dance routines can they possibly go through? Answer: Too many. Skip it.

And So It Goes
Director: Rob Reiner
PG-13; 94 mins.
Trailer

There are a million reasons not to like realtor Oren Little (Michael Douglas), and that’s just the way he likes it. Willfully obnoxious to anyone who might cross his path, he wants nothing more than to sell one last house and retire in peace and quiet — until his estranged son suddenly drops off a granddaughter (Sterling Jerins) he never knew existed and turns his life upside-down. Clueless about how to care for a sweet, abandoned nine-year-old, he pawns her off on his determined and lovable neighbor Leah (Diane Keaton) and tries to resume his life uninterrupted. But little by little, Oren stubbornly learns to open his heart – to his family, to Leah, and to life itself – in this uplifting comedy from acclaimed director Rob Reiner. (Synopsis by Clarius)

So Rob Reiner is still making movies? That’s interesting, but the disappointment runs deep here. It’s boring, predictable, and a waste of talent. Even worse, I thought this was a Kurt Vonnegut biopic. Why hasn’t that happened yet? Skip it.

Wish I Was Here
Director: Zach Braff
R; 106 mins.
Trailer

Director Zach Braff’s follow-up to his indie breakout hit “Garden State” tells the story of a thirtysomething man who finds himself at major crossroads, which forces him to examine his life, his career, and his family. (Synopsis by Focus)

It is genuine even while it desperately claws at over-serious profundity. There are a few missteps along the way, but is buoyed by strong performances and heartfelt intent. Rent it.

Lucy
Director: Luc Besson
R; 89 mins.
Trailer

From La Femme Nikita and The Professional to The Fifth Element, writer/director Luc Besson has created some of the toughest, most memorable female action heroes in cinematic history. Now, Besson directs Scarlett Johansson in Lucy, an action-thriller that tracks a woman accidentally caught in a dark deal who turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic. (Synopsis by Universal)

Dumb. Dumb. Dumb. Entertaining only if you can suspend all thought. Besson has a certain… style… that is cheesy but usually enjoyable (“The Fifth Element”). This is just bad. Skip it.

Upcoming DVD Releases

None of note.