Grown Ups – Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider and David Spade star in this comedy about a group of friends who have fallen out of touch over the years and reunite over the 4th of July weekend to spend time at a cottage together. All of their lives have not turned out how they planned, whether it is their job, how they have raised their children, or how their wives view them. Will this weekend change their lives for the better and will they be able to enjoy themselves once more? Sandler films are universally hated by critics, but Sandler’s fans are always out to support him, and this is another case of that as Rotten Tomatoes has the film listed at 9% positive but the film has taken in $162 million at the box office. The short version is that fans of Sandler should like this film, while detractors of Sandler will continue to hate him.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World – This film is based on the popular graphic novels and follows the adventures of Scott Pilgrim, a Torontonian bassist in the rock band Sex Bob-omb who is trying to win the love of the girl of his dreams – Ramona Flowers. To win Ramona’s heart, he must battle her seven evil exes, let by Gideon. In the meantime, Scott is trying to keep his band together, dealing with his own ex-girlfriend, and having to deal with his roommate. The film was not a major hit at the box office this summer, only grossing $31.5 million, but critics did it, as it’s got an 80% positive rating at Rotten Tomatoes. The reason to see Scott Pilgrim is director Edgar Wright. He is constantly doing inventive things to help liven up the film (the fact that the opening Universal logo is animated and scored like an 8-bit video game should clue you into the fact that you’re in for something different). Edgar Wright definitely emerged as a talent to watch after this one (and I say that having watched every episode of Spaced and the films Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz). This is the must-see film of the week.
Charlie St. Cloud – This film stars Zac Efron and is about a boy named Charlie who loves sailing. He is so good at it that he receives a scholarship. Unfortunately his brother is killed in a car accident and Charlie’s life spins out of control. Time passes, and he doesn’t end up going to school on his scholarship and spends his time in his hometown watching his life pass him by, as he is no longer interested in sailing. He ends up meeting a girl who is into sailing and this new love might let him look forward to what the future has to offer instead of being stuck living in the past when his brother was alive. Charlie St. Cloud was a critical and commercial failure at the box office this summer grossing $31.1 million and receiving a 27% positive rating at Rotten Tomatoes. I think Zac Efron will be a star one day, but it’s still a little too early to give him leading roles.
Ramona and Beezus – This film is based on the books by Beverly Cleary and is about a young girl named Ramona, who constantly gets into trouble just by her outgoing and inquisitive personality, and her older sister Beezus. The girls have to put their efforts to good use when the family home is threatened and it’s up to the girls to save it. The film stars Selena Gomez, John Corbett, Sandra Oh, Bridget Moynahan, Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Duhamel. Though not a big hit in theatres, as it only grossed $26.1 million, it was well received by critics as it has a 71% positive rating at Rotten Tomatoes. Definitely a film for kids.
Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam – This animated short film (it’s only 22 minutes long) has Superman battling Black Adam as he tries to defend the world’s strongest mortal – Captain Marvel – from being attacked. I’m sure some fans of Biff Bam Pop will be picking this up.
Antichrist – This is the latest film from Lars von Trier and it definitely polarized audiences who saw it. The film starts out with a couple making love, but their young son climbs out of his crib and falls of a ledge to his death. The couple go to a retreat in the forest called “Eden” to deal with the loss, and soon things go from bad to worse. I’m being vague because going into detail on the film would lessen the experience (if you’re really desperate, go to Wikipedia which has a lengthy plot synopsis on the film). This is definitely not a film for everyone, but I do think it is worth checking out because of von Trier directing it.
Love Ranch – This film stars Joe Pesci and Helen Mirren and is about the true story of a husband and wife who opened the first legal brothel in the United States. It got a very small release and was panned by critics as the film is listed at 12% positive at Rotten Tomatoes.
Hunt to Kill – This film stars “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Eric Roberts and is about a U.S. Border Patrolmen dealing with the death of his partner, the divorce from his wife and raising a teenage daughter in Montana. A bunch of bad guys come to town and take Austin and his daughter hostage, and it’s up to Austin to use his skills to help him and his daughter survive and kill the bad guys.
Knucklehead – This film stars “The Big Show” Paul Wight as an amateur fighter who is guided by a former MMA champion and a church aide on a quest to an annual MMA fight in New Orleans. It’s a comedy and like Hunt to Kill, it is looking to cash in on the popularity of a WWE superstar.
TV ON DVD
Lie To Me: The Complete Second Season
Sherlock: Season One
Doctor Who: The Complete Fifth Series
Californication: The Third Season
The Boondocks: The Complete Third Season
Until Next Tuesday!
