Reel News: Week of Oct. 2 — The Martian, Sicario, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Entourage, Poltergeist

Upcoming Theatrical Releases

The Martian
Director: Ridley Scott
PG-13; 2 hr. 14 min.
Trailer

During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring “the Martian” home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney’s safe return. (Synopsis by Fox)

Check out my review here.

Sicario
Director: Denis Villeneuve
R; 2 hr.
Trailer

In the lawless border area stretching between the U.S. and Mexico, an idealistic FBI agent [Emily Blunt] is enlisted by an elite government task force official [Josh Brolin] to aid in the escalating war against drugs. Led by an enigmatic consultant with a questionable past [Benicio Del Toro], the team sets out on a clandestine journey forcing Kate to question everything that she believes in order to survive. (Synopsis by Lionsgate)

Check out my review later this week on The Dagger.

Upcoming DVD Releases

Avengers: Age of Ultron
Director: Joss Whedon
PG-13; 2 hr. 21 min.
Trailer

When Tony Stark jumpstarts a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as they battle to save the planet from destruction at the hands of the villainous Ultron. (Synopsis by Walt Disney Pictures)

Previously reviewed by The Dagger.

Entourage
Director: Doug Ellin
R; 1 hr. 45 min.
Trailer

Entourage,” the much-anticipated big-screen version of the award-winning hit HBO series, reunites the show’s original cast, led by Kevin Connolly, Adrian Grenier, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara and Jeremy Piven. Movie star Vincent Chase (Grenier), together with his boys, Eric (Connolly), Turtle (Ferrara) and Johnny (Dillon), are back…and back in business with super agent-turned-studio head Ari Gold (Piven). Some of their ambitions have changed, but the bond between them remains strong as they navigate the capricious and often cutthroat world of Hollywood. (Synopsis by Warner Bros.)

Fans of the series may enjoy this, but for everyone else this is just an ego trip. There is no self-awareness or message here, just shtick on top of glitz. More of a capstone for the series than an extension. Skip it.

Poltergeist
Director: Gil Kenan
PG-13; 1 hr. 33 min.
Trailer

Legendary filmmaker Sam Raimi (“Spiderman,” “Evil Dead”, “The Grudge”) and director Gil Kenan (“Monster House”) contemporize the classic tale about a family whose suburban home is haunted by evil forces. When the terrifying apparitions escalate their attacks and hold the youngest daughter captive, the family must come together to rescue her before she disappears forever. (Synopsis by Fox)

To date, none of the classic horror remakes have been worth the effort. This continues that trend. About half an hour of this film is good until it settles into the routine of clichés. Skip it.