Three new movies are in wide release this weekend: a sex comedy, a psychological thriller and an inspirational sports movie. So basically, no matter who you are, there’s a movie for you to see this weekend. Unless you’re a robot, in which case, go make me a sandwich.
Mr. Brooks - This movie, which is playing in Brooklyn at the Prospect Park Pavillion and the United Artists on Court Street, seems bizarre to me. First of all, we’ve got Kevin Costner, who hasn’t had a good movie in quite some time. Then you’ve Demi Moore, who hasn’t spent much time in the public eye outside of photo-ops with her twelve year old boyfriend. And then, Dane Cook. Yeah, Dane Cook is in this. And it’s not a funny movie (though apparently, neither was Employee of the Month - SLAM!). And finally the director, Bruce Evans, has only directed one other film, and that was fifteen years ago. And that movie was the Christian Slater vehicle Kuffs (which granted, I love, but it’s a pretty awful movie). Suffice it to say, I don’t know what to make of this movie. Advanced reviews are mixed, so I would advise to wait for a rental. On the plus side, I get to post a picture of Christian Slater.
Chaos was what killed the dinosaurs, darling.
Gracie - Inspirational sports movies aren’t really my thing (outside of Mighty Ducks). This seems to be the exact same story as Rudy, only replace the hobbit with a girl, and college football with high school varsity soccer. What this movie should truly be recognized for, however, is the reunion of Andrew and Elisabeth Shue (or, more importantly, for giving Andrew Shue work). Expect a crowd of people shouting “Gra-cie! Gra-cie! Gra-cie!” by the end. Again though, I warn you, there are no hobbits in this movie.
Knocked Up - There are few movies I am truly looking forward to this summer (although I will probably see almost everything). This is definitely the one that I am the most excited about, and is naturally my pick of the week. Judd Apatow seems to have a knack for making funny out of crisis. First we were introduced to a guy who spent the first half of his life not having sex, and now we meet a couple who drunkenly have sex only to get stuck with an unwanted pregnancy. Advance reviews are phenomenal, most saying that it’s even better than The 40 Year Old Virgin. In addition to Rogen being the lead character, there are also several other actors from Apatow’s Freaks and Geeks and Undeclared, including Martin Starr, Jay Baruchel and Jason Segel.
If I were the Bionic Woman, what would I wear?
Otherwise, there isn’t a whole lot opening this week. The Sunshine has a midnight screening of Fight Club tomorrow night, and Day Watch, the sequel to the Russian horror film Night Watch, opens at the Angelika.
Happy viewing!
wait, what did you say? speak into my bionic ear.
what kind of sandwich did you want?
Too late robot. Just got back from lunch. I’m disassembling you and selling your spare parts.
Ah!