Here to take a look at the films coming out in wide and limited release this coming weekend. I’ll give you my thoughts to help you decide what’s worth checking out.
- Get Hard – A businessman heading to prison gets toughened up by a man who he mistakenly assumes is an ex-con.
Directed by Etan Cohen (directorial debut! but he worked on the Tropic Thunder and Idiocracy screenplays)
Starring Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Alison Brie, Craig T. Nelson, Edwina Findley
My first impression of this comedy was that it looked like a super easy way for Ferrell and Hart to go play their usual shticks and get paid. The concept isn’t exactly great, but it’s definitely goofy. Rob caught a screener and said it’s an enjoyable watch if you like what the two actors usually do. So while this probably isn’t going to reach either’s career highlights, it might not be the worst option in the middle of a pretty boring month at the movies. - Home – After an alien invasion, a teenage girl is attempting to locate her separated mother and befriends an alien along the way.
Directed by Tim Johnson (Over the Hedge, Antz)
Starring Rihanna, Jim Parsons, Jennifer Lopez, Steve Martin
Even though I usually skip animated movies anyway, this one seems even more missable than usual. Nothing about the trailer is particularly interesting (except the seemingly random choice of Rihanna as a voice actor). It is nice to see an animated movie based around a black character though. Home will definitely get a boost since there’s a drought of kids movies between February’s Spongebob and June’s Inside Out. I’m sure the kids will take what they can get.
- While We’re Young – A middle aged couple tries to recapture their youth by befriending a couple of 20-something-year-olds.
Written & directed by Noah Baumbach (Frances Ha, Greenberg)
Starring Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Driver
Just the kind of little indie comedy that I like to watch. It sort of looks like a far lower key Neighbors, with an older couple really trying to relive their younger lives because they just don’t feel quite ready to be fully grown up. I’m sure this won’t be anything terribly exciting, but it involves people I like and a premise that seems relatable.
Playing in select theaters. - Serena – The owner of a huge timber business faces struggles after entering a passionate, complicated marriage.
Directed by Susanne Bier (In a Better World)
Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Rhys Ifans, Toby Jones
So many aspects seem in place for this – great two leads who have proven talent and chemistry, potentially interesting Depression era based storyline, handsome looking trailer. That’s why it’s a bit mysterious why since it first was seen there’s been an altogether lukewarm reaction. Apparently this movie just does not come together. I’d maybe give this a home viewing just to see what it’s like, but there’s really not much motivation to make a point of watching it.
Available through video on demand and see where it’s playing in theaters here.
