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.
- How to Be Single – Rom-com about singles in New York City hooking up and figuring out their love life.
Directed by Christian Ditter (Love, Rosie)
Starring Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Leslie Mann, Alison Brie
This looks like a fun romantic comedy, of the variety that we don’t see a ton of in theaters. There are plenty girl-meets-boy rom-com’s but not so many group of girlfriends stories that are more so raunchy than corny. I feel like I could have a great time watching this, and a few jokes in the trailer/commercial kill. I really like the group of women they’ve put together here, especially Dakota Johnson who showed an adeptness at humor in her thankless Fifty Shades role. There’s a lot out this month but I do hope to fit this in. - Deadpool – A man who is mutated and develops powers channels his off-kilter eccentricities into a masked identity.
Directed by Tim Miller (directorial debut!)
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Ed Skrein, Gina Carano
I don’t have much background to this Marvel character and never did see the much criticized the X-Men Origins: Wolverine in which Reynolds first appeared as this character. I know of his reputation though, and I’m really intrigued to see an R-rated version of a Marvel movie (maybe they can crossover to the only other non-PG Marvel property, Jessica Jones). I’ve heard this one goes all out and as long as the fan service isn’t too overdone I think it will be quite entertaining. Lindsay will have a review up soon and she has positive things to say about it. This will be my Valentine’s Day date so I’ll be seeing it soon enough. I really hope that this does great things for Ryan Reynolds career. - Zoolander 2 – Derek and Hansel re-team to take down a foe, all while being ridiculously good looking.
Directed by Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder)
Starring Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penélope Cruz, Kristen Wiig, Benedict Cumberbatch
This could go so wrong, but if anything Anchorman 2 showed me that even a lesser version of a great original can still be plenty of fun. I had reservations watching the trailer… and then I saw the Mugato hallway clip and I lost my shit. If Stiller can still bring this crazy silliness to the screen I can go along for the ride. Even though the critic response hasn’t been overly positive I’m definitely curious enough to check it out.
- Where to Invade Next – Moore visits and documents how other countries are handling issues in which America may be falling behind.
Directed by Michael Moore
In usual Michael Moore fashion this looks a bit narcissistic and self-satisfied, but also with a sense of humor and purpose. The purpose here is a bit scatter shot as it looks to review every way in which other countries are better than America. It’s a long list for one doc, but the intent here is at least interesting – what resources and ideas should we be mining from other countries. Not sure how successful it can really be with all it encompasses, but if you like Moore’s other docs I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one too and if you think he’s an ass you’re going to hate it.
