Upcoming Theatrical Releases
Beyond the Lights
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
PG-13; 1 hr. 42 mins.
Trailer
Beyond the Lights is the story of Noni, the music world’s latest superstar. But not all is what it seems, and the pressures of fame have Noni on the edge – until she meets Kaz Nicol, a young cop and aspiring politician who’s been assigned to her detail. Drawn to each other, Noni and Kaz fall fast and hard, despite the protests of those around them who urge them to put their career ambitions ahead of their romance. But it is ultimately Kaz’s love that gives Noni the courage to find her own voice and break free to become the artist she was meant to be. (Synopsis by Relativity)
It would be very easy for “Beyond the Lights” to slip into well-worn territory, but thankfully Bythewood’s script and direction make this an undeniably watchable movie. It is overly melodramatic at times, but never strays too far from being entertaining. See it.
Upcoming DVD Releases
How to Train Your Dragon 2
Director: Dean DeBlois
PG; 1 hr. 45 mins.
Trailer
When Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace. (Synopsis by IMDB)
This feels more like an extension than a sequel; a rare feat in the modern animated film world. It is just as fun, but manages to delve a little deeper. Maybe we didn’t need all the subplots, but this is still a fine movie. See it.
Jersey Boys
Director: Clint Eastwood
R; 2 hr. 14 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 movie made for retirement homes. There are moments of clarity (the music), but mostly this is a fog of over-wrought drama. There’s too much drag in the script for such a simple premise. Rent it.
Tammy
Director: Ben Falcone
R; 1 hr. 36 mins.
Trailer
Tammy (Melissa McCarthy) is having a bad day. She’s totaled her clunker car, gotten fired from her thankless job at a greasy burger joint and, instead of finding comfort at home, finds her husband getting comfortable with the neighbor in her own house. It’s time to take her boom box and book it. The bad news is she’s broke and without wheels. The worse news is her grandma, Pearl (Susan Sarandon), is her only option-with a car, cash, and an itch to see Niagara Falls. Not exactly the escape Tammy had in mind. But on the road, with grandma riding shot gun, it may be just what Tammy needs. (Synopsis by Warner Bros.)
Obnoxious to the point of embarrassing. At several points “Tammy” just misses on the comedy, but overall this is a mess. Now that we have seen what McCarthy is capable of, this is an even greater atrocity. Skip it.
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