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If you can’t get into Spidey 3 this weekend …
Just in case you hear the dreaded words “sold out” trying to see Spider-Man 3 this weekend, or in case you don’t happen to care about the wall-crawler, I offer you a list of alternatives. Despite what Spidey and company would have you believe, there ARE other movies out there.
Disturbia: So since the movie’s been number one for 3 weeks, that means it must be great, right? Um … no. Not when your competition is as limp as a used paper towel. That said, this so-called “teen version of Hitchcock’s Rear Window” isn’t half bad. Seeing as many thrillers as I have, I found it pretty predictable, but still entertainingly played with some clever twists. For a movie aimed squarely at teens, you could do a lot worse. Kickin’ It Old Skool, anyone? GRADE: B-
Fracture: Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling face off in this legal drama, with lawyer Gosling trying to convict crafty killer Anthony Hopkins. There’s not much action per se, but the movie works as a true battle of wills, with the characters literally trying to outsmart each other. The film is a little dry at times, but strong acting by the two leads carries it through. GRADE: B+
Hot Fuzz: Absolutely hilarious take-off of big-budget action flicks, targeting the dreaded Michael Bay in particular. My original review is here. GRADE: A-
Meet the Robinsons: If the kids are disappointed they can’t see Spider-Man yet, a 3D showing of this film ought to placate them. The movie is rather scattershot because it can’t always decide what tone to take, but its core story of a boy scientist trying to find a family is moving, and the 3D effects are impressive. Here’s my full take. GRADE: B+
At the dollarplex (original reviews at hyeperlinks)
Bridge to Terabithia: Delightful and deeply affecting family film is one of the best movies of any sort this year. Be advised it’s not a low-rent Narnia, but a touching look at childhood and dealing with loss. GRADE: A-
Grindhouse: Yes, it’s L-O-N-G and has far too many slow spots, especially for directors as savvy as Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, but the best parts of the movie (Rose McGowan and a mind-blowing car chase) reward the viewer’s patience. GRADE: B+
Music and Lyrics: Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore make for a charming songwriting team. It’s fluff, but it’s tasty fluff, thanks to the principlas and some catchy original songs. GRADE: B
Watch this space tomorrow for my review of Spider-Man 3, which has mixed reviews so far. Where will I swing? Return tomorrow and see!
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: In Area Theaters
Comments
By Eve
May 3, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
two words: Black Book.