Here to take a look at the films coming out in wide and limited release this coming weekend. In this weekly film guide, I’ll give you my thoughts to help you decide what’s worth checking out.
WIDE RELEASES
Directed by Jorma Taccone (MacGruber, Akiva Schaffer(Hot Rod)
Starring Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, Akiva Schaffer
I am so excited to see this. Totally sold by the trailers and even more so now that the response has been so positive, including comparisons to the brilliant This Is Spinal Tap. The Lonely Island is one of the best examples of modern comedy in the digital age where resources and absurdity can come together to produce iconic hits. I’d love to do a huge rewatch of the SNL Digital Shorts that Samberg, Taccone, and Schaffer crafted over their tenure on the show. This movie is a great reminder of their solid run on the show. Their recent contribution in the lead up to this movie had me cracking up already – Finest Girl. I’m hoping this is a hit and we get more from The Lonely Island soon enough.
Directed by Dave Green (Earth to Echo)
Starring Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Stephen Amell, Tyler Perry
I don’t have too much to go on for this, since I skipped the first one due to disinterest and the terrible reviews. The CGI turtles just kill the charm that I remember as a kid. It’s not like I’m complaining about it ruining my childhood or some over the top feelings like that, but this just seems more geared towards the kids of today, which is fine. I seriously doubt the movies from the 90’s were seen as that better made than these movies, but when you’re a kid you don’t care. Out of the Shadows features some TMNT favorite characters such as Casey Jones and Krang. This sequel at least seems to improve on the first so if this is of interest to you, that’s a pretty good sign. The improvement however is from a 22% to a 36% on Rotten Tomatoes so take that as you will.
Directed by Thea Sharrock (directorial debut!)
Starring Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Janet McTeer
This looks super Nicholas Sparks-y, but like a slight step up from that. At least I don’t think there’s a third act twist that a ghost is involved, but I think tragedy will definitely ensue. I think Emilia Clarke is darling, and I like seeing her doing something so different than Daenerys, along with Claflin who really stood out to me among the younger Hunger Games cast. I do think though that there is a weird angle to this story, very well said by fellow LAMB writer Kristen Lopez over on Flavorwire. I understand someone would be depressed after experiencing a traumatic, life-altering injury but this movie seems to rely maybe too much on the myth that the disabled somehow can’t achieve or contribute in a romantic relationship or live a full life. It leaves a sour feeling to this romance.
LIMITED RELEASES
Directed by Whit Stillman (Damsels in Distress, Metropolitan)
Starring Kate Beckinsale, Chloë Sevigny, Xavier Samuel
Whit Stillman is a blind spot for me, but it seems he’s made his name in comedies set in upper-class settings. Especially for fans of period pieces and Austen’s writing, this should be perfect. For the genre this must be the best received recently, currently sporting a 99% on RT, not to mention one of the best reviewed movies this year in general. On top of that, I’m always on board for some Chloë Sevigny. I hope to check this out, even if it’s just at home and I’ll throw in some of Stillman’s other films as well.
