Though Hollywood decided some weeks ago that Summer was over, this is truly the last Summer weekend, bringing us into the Fall movie season of films vying perhaps more for awards and honors than eyeballs and dollars. We’re not quite there yet and this weekend brings us a mixed bag.
Battle of the Year
Another dance movie? Yep. It’s not half bad though. Starring Josh Holloway, Josh Peck, and Chris Brown, BotY is a fictional film based on the documentary of the same name. Despite inventing B-boying (break dancing), the US has faltered, not claiming a title at the main event – Battle of the Year – in quite some time. An unorthodox coach (Holloway) and his eager assistant (Peck) are off to turn that around with a dream team of B-boys.
Skip the 3D, but this is a dance movie with a half decent plot, some interesting characters, and some dazzling foot (and head) work. It’s decently entertaining and plays more like a sports film with some great dancing than anything else.
Read my full review here.
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Rush
An intense, high octane story of two intense, high octane people. Ron Howard brings us his vision of two real life racing legends – James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauder (Daniel Brühl). Well known to have been fierce rivals in the 1970′s, these two Formula One drivers are icons of the sport.
This movie excels in all directions – acting, writing, directing, action, cinematography, story… It may not feel as “important” as some other true events films (the upcoming Captain Phillips for example), but it’s a great gem all its own. Definitely worth seeing. (Though probably not this weekend since it won’t get a wide release for another week).
Read my full review here.
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Prisoners
This dark drama has some big names attached to it, not the least of which being Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman as the two leads. I haven’t yet seen this one, but I’m hearing good things – though it seems to be incredibly intense, as well as long, and perhaps a bit disturbing. When a father (Jackman) is faced with his young daughters being kidnapped, he takes matters into his own hands to get them back, even if that means forcibly interrogating a mentally disabled man (Paul Dano).
This is definitely on my list of must-sees, though I don’t think I would recommend it for the faint of heart.
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Also worth noting:
The Wizard of Oz is getting a limited re-release in 3D IMAX this weekend to start the 75th anniversary celebration of the classic film.
Film Hamster 