As the only new wide release, The Wolverine is poised to win the weekend, which wouldn’t be a bad thing. There are a few other, smaller, films though that are worth your attention also.
The Wolverine
Have you been waiting for that movie that finally “gets” Wolverine? This is where you expect me to say, “well, move on, they still haven’t done it,” but you’d be wrong. It’s not perfect – though what movie is – but it will not disappoint. You have a lot more First Class cameo Wolverine and a lot less Origins Wolverine.
Hugh Jackman throws himself into the role like never before, with as much thought and vigor as he did in Les Miserables. Only with more mutant powers. So take the personal, yet action-packed, journey with Logan to Japan.
Read my full review here.
Trailer
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The To Do List
Aubrey Plaza is Brandy, an awkward overachiever on her way to college. Before she gets there, however, she’s determined to check off a long list of sexual achievements in preparation. This 90’s set teen sex comedy is a painfully obvious homage to actual 80’s and 90’s teen sex comedies. It’s not unfunny, or bad, but unless you crave 90’s references on the big screen there’s no reason to rush into the theater for this.
Read my full review here.
Trailer
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The Way, Way Back
This delightful indie film expands to wide release this weekend.
When 14 year old Duncan (Liam James from Psych) is stuck on a vacation he doesn’t want to be on with people he hates, he wanders the ocean town, trying to find himself. What he finds are some unique people worth getting to know (Sam Rockwell and Maya Rudolph) and a summer job.
Steve Carell (in an atypical unlikable role), Allison Janney, and Rob Corrdry also star in this coming of age indie film. It’s real life, depressing emotion, yet funny and (ultimately) uplifting. It’s a great little gem worth checking out, especially now that it is more widely available.
Read my full review here.
Trailer
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Fruitvale Station
I’ve yet to see this indie film, expanding to wide release this weekend. The word on the street, though, is that it is extremely powerful. Coming while the country is caught up in the drama surrounding a death that may or may not have been racially motivated, the timing is surely coincidental, but the interest in this true story will not be. Michael B. Jordan stars as a young man living his last day before being unexpectedly shot and killed by a police officer at the Fruitvale station. Octavia Spencer, Kevin Durand, and Chad Michael Murray also appear.
Trailer
Film Hamster 