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.
- Ant-Man – The Marvel Cinematic Universe expands again with the edition of a con-man turned hero, Scott Lang, who’s ability involves super-shrinking and super-strength.
Directed by Peyton Reed
Starring Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Michael Peña
I had no reference point for this Marvel character, but it seemed like one of the sillier heroes (then again I would’ve thought the same about a talking tree and machine-gun toting raccoon this time last year). With Edgar Wright’s involvement it made this movie a must-see though and then adding in Paul Rudd (who can do no wrong) certainly upped the interest. Switching out Wright for Reed and changing up the movie though seemed like this might be the first Marvel movie that might end up a dud at the box office. Now I’m not so sure. It’s gotten mostly positive reviews (including our own Nick who’s review is up on the site) and seems like a funny addition to the MCU. - Trainwreck – An independent woman who shuns real relationships has to deal with her changing feelings when she meets a man who might finally be worth the commitment.
Directed by Judd Apatow
Starring Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Brie Larson, Vanessa Bayer, Tilda Swinton, Colin Quinn
I cannot wait to see this movie! I’ve been hankering for a good comedy this year, and this seems like it will be a winner. Honestly, what can be said about Amy Schumer that hasn’t been said already? She’s a comedic force and at the height of her career so far. Her show has been amazing this season and worked as the perfect marketing to her movie. I hope and expect her feminist brand of comedy is worked into Trainwreck. I love that Bill Hader is the love interest and the rest of the cast is interesting too (Tilda Swinton?!). It’s also hopefully the start of an upswing in Apatow’s directing career. Between this and Ant-Man I could see myself at the theater very, very soon.
- Irrational Man – A philosophy professor treats his existential crisis with a cliché by dating one of his students.
Directed by Woody Allen
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Parker Posey, Jamie Blackley
Another year, another lazy film by Woody Allen. Blue Jasmine was recent enough that I know he still must have a couple more hits up his sleeve, but this doesn’t seem to be one of them. This looks like such a similar outing to last year’s mediocre Magic in the Moonlight (which I had to look up because I couldn’t remember the name off the top of my head). Magic had a stage magician who was cynical about life. Irrational Man has a philosophy professor who is cynical about life. They both had prior love interests around their age. They both fall for Emma Stone. I’m sure Irrational Man has its own diversions, but it doesn’t seem all that original. I’ll admit though, I probably will still see it at some point, simply for the sake of being a completionist, but it can certainly wait awhile to watch at home.
