Just another week, and I have no idea what to type up here.
Last weeks results are in:
1st Place: Rio ($39.2 Million)
2nd Place: Scream 4 ($18.7 Million)
3rd Place: Hop ($10.7 Million)
4th Place: Hanna ($7.3 Million)
5th Place: Soul Surfer ($7.3 Million)
What'll it be this week? Hit the jump to check out the latest films to hit theaters...
Water for Elephants
Directed by: Francis Lawrence
Written by: Sara Gruen (novel), Richard LaGravenese
Length: 2 hrs 2 mins
Rating: PG-13
Cast: Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Cristoph Waltz, Paul Schneider
Synopsis:
A veterinary student abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a traveling circus as their vet. (IMDb)
I try and make it a habit to research all of the movies I preview each week by checking out the writers and directors histories, as well as watching the trailer once or twice to make sure I suppress any biases I might have about actors/directors and the like. However, Robbert Pattinson has only shown me he can act in one film (Harry Potter IV, and I'm being pretty generous with that), so my 'bias' is justified. He's possibly the one thing that can hold this good movie back from being great. With Francis Lawrence directing (I Am Legend), it scores a few extra points. As the trailer notes, both Witherspoon and Waltz have received Acadamy Awards, leaving Pattinson's name looking quite lonely in the credits. I'd also like to point out the 20 year difference between Waltz and Witherspoon (married in the film), and another 10 year difference between Witherspoon and Pattinson (some romantic action, I'm sure). Witherspoon's character is the ultimate grave/cradle robber. I haven't read the bestselling novel, Water for Elephants, so as to the story, I'm afraid it would be a mistake to make any judgement on that aspect. I'd say, if you liked the book, check it out. And if you don't like documentaries (as I'll point out later), this is the movie for you.
Madea's Big Happy Family
Directed by: Tyler Perry
Written by: Tyler Perry
Length: 1 hr 46 mins
Rating: PG-13
Cast: Tyler Perry, Loretta Devine, Bow Wow
Synopsis:
Madea jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can't manage her unruly children or her broken marriage; Kimberly is gripped with anger and takes it out on her husband; and Byron, after spending two years in jail, is under pressure to deal drugs again. It's up to Madea, with the help of the equally rambunctious Aunt Bam, to gather the clan together and make things right the only way she knows how: with a lot of tough love, laughter ... and the revelation of a long-buried family secret. (Lionsgate)
What is this, Tyler Perry's... 11th Madea-ish movie? Yes, it actually is. With a budget of only $25 Million, he will continue to destroy the box office, gaining gobs of money for Lionsgate as usual. I don't know what it is about these movies, but they always attract a huge crowd for some stereotypical, almost ironic comedy that the audience doesn't realize is actually a commentary on themselves. With another movie to add to his filmography, Madea's Big Happy Family is sure to get lost among friends. Skip this one, trust me.
Pom Wonderful presents The Greatest Movie Ever Sold
Directed by: Morgan Spurlock
Written by: Morgan Spurlock & Jeremy Chilnick
Length: 1 hr 30 min
Rating: PG-13
Cast: Morgan Spurlock, Ralph Nader & more
Synopsis:
A documentary about branding, advertising and product placement that is financed and made possible by brands, advertising and product placement. (IMDb)
I'm a sucker for Morgan Spurlock (writer/director/star of Super Size Me), so this is the movie of the week. Check out the trailer (linked above) and decide for yourself. This film all about advertising, and how often we are suckered into it without realizing. Product placement, brand recognition, it's all there. And the ultimate ironic twist, Spurlock funds his entire film using product placement. If you like these funny, social commentary documentaries, this is going to be a must.
Incendies
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Written by: Wajdi Mouawad (play), Denis Villeneuve (screenplay)
Length: 2 hrs 10 mins
Rating: R
Cast: Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette
Synopsis:
A mother's last wishes send twins Jeanne and Simon on a journey to Middle East in search of their tangled roots. Adapted from Wajdi Mouawad's acclaimed play, Incendies tells the powerful and moving tale of two young adults' voyage to the core of deep-rooted hatred, never-ending wars and enduring love. (Mylène Chollet, via IMDb)
And to round out the week, an indie, foreign film that's gotten rave reviews and even an Oscar nomination for best foreign language film. I can't say I've seen any of Villeneuve's previous work, and I definitely know nothing about the story behind his latest. With a limited release here in the United States, good luck finding a city to watch Incendies in. Check out the trailer above, that'll tell you if it's for you. I'm personally interested, but living in the Midwest, I don't have many limited release chances.
Conclusion:
The Greatest Movie Ever Sold is the one to check out this week in my opinion. Morgan Spurlock always adds a comedic twist to his documentaries, while retaining his legitimacy as a filmmaker in the process. Water for Elephants might also tickle your fancy, if you're looking for a(nother) romance with Pattinson and Witherspoon. Fans of the book: beware; only on rare occasions has the movie lived up to the novel.
Watch Responsibly.
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