Upcoming Theatrical Releases
Tyler Perry’s Temptation
Director: Tyler Perry
PG-13; 110 mins
Trailer
A bold exploration of the intrigue and perils of infidelity, Tyler Perry’s Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor is a compelling love story that dives straight into the heart of obsessive passion. “It’s about a woman who starts to get restless in her relationship and her choice to be with another man has a huge effect on the rest of her life,” explains screenwriter/producer/director Tyler Perry. “She goes on a journey – in her career and in her marriage – and she ends up in a very different place than she expected.” In a departure from his previous dramas, this explosive film finds Perry exploring the nature of desire – and just how powerful and dangerous a taste of the forbidden can be. “This is definitely one of the most provocative movies – sexually and otherwise – that I’ve made,” says the director. “There are a lot of people who struggle in their relationships. They make bad choices about their marriages. They get divorced. And so many of them don’t step out of their situation and really think about the consequences of what they’re doing. This movie asks, ‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ It sends up a flag.” (Synopsis by Lionsgate)
You know it’s going to be terrible when the studio places a review embargo on a film before it is released. Also, Tyler Perry makes everything terrible.
G.I. Joe: Retaliation
Director: Jon M. Chu
PG-13; 110 mins
Trailer
In this sequel, the G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence. (Synopsis by Paramount)
Garnering almost universally bad reviews, this is about as much fun as watching a friend play X-box—and even that at least has the “humor” of a racist, homophobic 9-year-old screaming obscenities into his headset.
The Host
Director: Andrew Niccol
PG-13; 121 mins
Trailer
What if everything you love was taken from you in the blink of an eye? “The Host” is the next epic love story from the creator of the “Twilight Saga,” worldwide bestselling author, Stephenie Meyer. When an unseen enemy threatens mankind by taking over their bodies and erasing their memories, Melanie Stryder (Saoirse Ronan) will risk everything to protect the people she cares most about – Jared (Max Irons), Ian (Jake Abel), her brother Jamie (Chandler Canterbury) and her Uncle Jeb (William Hurt) , proving that love can conquer all in a dangerous new world. (Synopsis by the Official Site)
If only the main idea could have been developed into something more than a teenage soap opera, there might be something here. Instead this is a ridiculous waste of time.
No
Director: Pablo Larrain
R; 110 mins
Trailer
In 1988, Chilean military dictator Augusto Pinochet, due to international pressure, is forced to call a plebiscite on his presidency. The country will vote YES or NO to Pinochet extending his rule for another eight years. Opposition leaders for the NO persuade a brash young advertising executive, Rene Saavedra (Gael Garcia Bernal), to spearhead their campaign. Against all odds, with scant resources and under scrutiny by the despot’s minions, Saavedra and his team devise an audacious plan to win the election and set Chile free. (Synopsis by Sony Classics)
Easily the best film of the week: a clever political and personal drama with a message about media manipulation. Layered and complex without being overly dense.
Upcoming DVD Releases
Lincoln
Director: Steven Spielberg
PG-13; 149 mins
Trailer
Steven Spielberg directs Daniel Day-Lewis in Lincoln, a revealing drama that focuses on the 16th President’s tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choices during this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come. (Synopsis by Walt Disney)
A powerful, historical snapshot of a man that became an icon. Day-Lewis is outstanding in his performance, breathing new life into the presidential persona. Spielberg handles the mix of history and drama with his usual deft touch.
Killing Them Softly
Director: Andrew Dominik
R; 97 mins
Trailer
Three dumb guys who think they’re smart rob a Mob protected card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse. Brad Pitt plays the enforcer hired to track them down and restore order. Killing Them Softly also features Richard Jenkins, James Gandolfini, Ray Liotta, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, and Vincent Curatola. Max Casella, Trevor Long, Slaine and Sam Shepard also make appearances. (Synopsis by Weinstein)
This is stylish and intelligent, but largely a distillation of Higgin’s source material. A violent gift to fans of noir-crime dramas.
Parental Guidance
Director: Andy Fickman
PG; 104 mins
Trailer
Old school grandfather Artie (Billy Crystal), who is accustomed to calling the shots, meets his match when he and his eager-to-please wife Diane (Bette Midler) agree to babysit their three grandkids when their type-A helicopter parents (Marisa Tomei, Tom Everett Scott) go away for work. But when 21st century problems collide with Artie and Diane’s old school methods of tough rules, lots of love and old-fashioned games, it’s learning to bend – and not holding your ground – that binds a family together. (Synopsis by the Official Site)
You’ll have something to watch with grandma after Easter dinner. This obnoxiously grating slapstick comedy makes a mockery of Crystal. To make it worse, this is a film in search of an audience. Who wants to watch a Hallmark channel version of “Meet the Fockers?”
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