FRIDAY PREVIEW: AUG 12th

Another week, another seven dollars. But in my case, two days late, two bucks short. Here are the top grossing films from last weekend:

First Place: Rise of the Planet of the Apes ($54.8 Million)

Second Place: The Smurfs ($20.7 Million)

Third Place: Cowboys & Aliens ($15.7 Million)

Fourth Place: The Change-Up ($13.5 Million)

Fifth Place: Captain America: The First Avenger ($13 Million)

Rise of the Planet of the Apes sure was the dark horse, as no one expected it to be the sleeper hit of the summer. In sales, it beat second, third, and fourth place, combined. The Smurfs finally beat out Cowboys & Aliens, unlike on their opening weekend, and Captain America is still chugging along, with a solid $143 Million in box office sales to date. As I predicted, The Change-Up did god awful, falling well below studio expectations and raking in a little over $13 Million.

This week brings five new features, most of which run shorter than the average bear. Hit the jump to check out the latest flicks for the weekend of August 12th...

The Help

Directed by: Tate Taylor

Written by: Tate Taylor (Screenplay), Kathryn Stockett (Novel)

Length: 2 hrs 17 mins

Rated: PG-13

Cast: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jessica Chastain
Trailer

Synopsis:

A look at what happens when a southern town's unspoken code of rules and behavior is shattered by three courageous women who strike up an unlikely friendship. (IMDb)

My Opinion:

The first movie of the week is one that I probably won't end up seeing, but that doesn't mean I don't think it is worth seeing. America is a sociologists dream, having racial issues compounded by religion, mixed with class and political differences, and it looks like The Help is pointing out all of them in this period drama. As overused as Emma Stone may be, I like seeing her in a role different from the same ones she's played since Superbad. Weird sentence. I think The Help will shed some light on the crappy history in the United States, and will hopefully show people that although separate bathrooms may have changed, the country is still as racially divided as ever, thanks to the prejudice everyone has but won't admit to.

30 Minutes or Less

Directed by: Ruben Fleischer

Written by: Michael Diliberti, Matthew Sullivan

Length: 1 hr 23 mins

Rated: R

Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride, Aziz Ansari, Nick Swardson, Michael Peña

Trailer

Synopsis:

Two fledgling criminals kidnap a pizza delivery guy, strap a bomb to his chest, and inform him that he has mere hours to rob a bank or else... (IMDb)

My Opinion:

I will not be seeing 30 Minutes or Less. The crude, Danny McBride/Aziz Ansari comedy just isn't cutting it anymore. Using sexual innuendos and references capped out for me around Pineapple Express, and I'm not on board for this one. Academy Award nominee Jesse Eisenberg looks like he is pulling none of the stops for Ruben Fleischer's latest, which I'm sure will be banking purely on it's comic talent and not it's storytelling ability. No thank you.

Final Destination 5

Directed by: Steven Quale

Written by: Eric Heisserer, Jeffrey Reddick

Length: 1 hr 32 mins

Rated: R

Cast: Nicholas D'Agosto, Emma Bell, Miles Fisher
Trailer

Synopsis:

Survivors of a suspension-bridge collapse learn there's no way you can cheat Death. (IMDb)

My Opinion:

This movie is crap. If it was actually the final destination, the first one in the series would have been the last. Another movie filled with morons who do dangerous crap when they all know that death is seeking them out. However, this time, their deaths are much more creative and stupid than last time, since everything good has already been done. Pass.

Glee: The 3D Concert Movie

Directed by: Kevin Tancharoen

Length: 1 hr 40 mins

Rated: PG

Cast: Cory Monteith, Dianna Agron, Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Darren Criss, Kevin McHale II, Mark Salling, Heather Morris, Jane Lynch, Gwyneth Paltrow
Trailer

Synopsis:

A concert documentary shot during the Glee Live! In Concert! summer 2011 tour. (IMDb)

My Opinion:

Screw Formatting

One of the best ideas for a television show (a TV show ironically fed to theater junkies) is finally being immortalized on the big screen. The show was made for people who love the theater, but ironically, can only be seen on television. However, it had a very limited concert run, which was filmed, and will ironically be shown in movie format, which I know those theater fans must loathe. But seriously, I think the cast is extremely talented, and FOX did a fantastic job finding a show about a huge, yet untapped market in high schools. I probably won't end up seeing this one, but I know Glee has it's good points, especially the immortal Heather Morris. Marry me.

Senna

Directed by: Asif Kapadia

Written by: Manish Pandey

Length: 1 hr 46 mins

Rated: PG

Trailer

Synopsis:

A documentary on Brazilian Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna, who won the F1 world championship three times before his death at age 34. (IMDb)

My Opinion:

A documentary about Formula One racing? Yes please. Senna looks like the memorial of a true legend. Using stock footage from races and interviews, I think that you're going to be getting a full portrait of Ayrton Senna, seeing him in some of his best and worst moments. If you appreciate racing, this is a must see. If you don't, I still think you'll be pleased with this one.

Conclusion:

Green Lights-
Senna

Yellow Lights-

The Help
Glee: The 3D Concert Movie

Red Lights-
30 Minutes or Less
Final Destination 5