For a quick refresher (since it’s been an embarrassingly long time since we’ve done one of these columns), this is where we look at all the movies coming out this weekend (some of which we’ve seen, some we haven’t) and try to decide what looks best. It’s not always foolproof, but, for me at least, it’s a good way to see the variety of films being released and to juggle the good and bad elements that each offers. With that, this weekend brings us a summer-like blockbuster (welcome back to the movies, Greek mythology!),a tween queen moving on to more dramatic work, and another entry from a guy who just keeps on making hits. Let’s see what we have… [breakdown of this week's new releases after the jump]
1. “Clash of the Titans”Story: To save the ancient Greek city of Argos, the heroic Perseus (Avatar’s Sam Worthington) must venture out to kill the Gorgon, Medusa, the lizard-like witch who turns all men who gaze at her into stone. Oh, and there’s also some business with warring gods (played by the great British thesps Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes) and lots of good modern angst for our hero, Perseus, who vows to reject his demi-god nature to defeat these evil forces as a man. Along the way, of course, lots of other action and special effects happen, but that’s all just part of the fun, leading up to the show-stopping epic battle between Persesus and the Kracken, the gods’ personal giant sea beast.
The Good: Just saw this last night! (Review coming very shortly) This movie delivers exactly what it promises; if nothing else, it’s very entertaining. Its script leaves a lot to be desired (more on that in a bit), sure, but the action is superb, the creature designs and effects very well-done, and it features some fun scenery-chewing work by Ralph Fiennes as Hades (Warner Bros’ favorite bad guy, since he also moonlights as Voldermort in the Harry Potter series…ahem, sorry, as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named) and Liam Neeson as Zeus. Sam Worthignton (despite the fact that he’s the only Australian in ancient Greece) once again shows plenty of star quality; he’s very believable as Perseus, and a good enough actor to make you root for this reluctant, manly-stubbled and crew-cut hero to succeed. Plus, I have to commend the filmmakers for turning Andromeda (played by the beautiful Alexa Davalos), the Princess of Argos (and Perseus' would-be love interest, according to the myth) from a one-note damsel-in-distress into a strong woman with some actual personality.
Also, I’ve read quite a lot of reviews that accused the film of sidestepping the original Perseus myth. Having read the myth a few days ago, I can honestly say this movie is as faithful as it needed to be. All the set-pieces from the original story are here (the battle with the Gorgons, the three Fates with their one shared eye, Princess Andromeda being sacrificed to the sea beast), and I thought they were tied together as well as could be expected. If this is the first exposure to Greek mythology for a lot of kids, then by all means – it’s certainly better and more true to the world and myths than the kid-skewing Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
The Bad: Did I mention that script? It’s definitely not terrible, but all the useless subplots, thinly-sketched characters (mostly relegated to Perseus’ fellow warriors, who I’m positive are only there because they’re more expendable), not-quite-finished ideas (that’d be poor Ralph Fiennes’ Hades, who has a plan, but I’m not sure even he knows exactly what he wants), and odd, laughable character choices (that’d be Perseus’ sidekick who looks like a miniature Treebeard) prevent it from being a home-run adventure like the first Pirates of the Caribbean. Still, I think the entertainment value – and all the positive elements above – outweighs the bad in this instance. It won’t be on anyone’s Top 10 List, but it makes for an enjoyable night at the movies.
Reviews: Decent, although mostly pretty mixed. Some like Roger Ebert (a noted sucker for adventure films, just like me) liked it, while others panned it for its preference of loud special effects over, you know, actual drama and character work. But, really, you know what you’re getting into when you buy a ticket for a film called Clash of the Titans. Schindler's List, this is not (even though, ironically, it features two of that film's stars)...
Overall: I recommend it…although with a bit of caution. I think it appeals to our more kid-like sensibilities for great adventures in faraway, exotic lands. On top of that, it’s well-acted (for what this is) and the action sequences alone justify seeing it in theaters. If you liked the trailers and all the clips (which, admittedly, I liked too much), chances are you’ll come out satisfied by the final product.
Quick Note: The ads are pushing that this MUST be seen in 3D. Honestly, it’s just a ploy to capitalize on Avatar’s success (and now Alice in Wonderland’s as well), particularly since Clash star Sam Worthington also played the leading role in James Cameron’s 3D opus. Many fanboys cried foul at the 3D effects (which, to my inexperienced eye, were not awful in the slightest), but I can say that the added dimension does not do much for the film in whole. If the 3D showings are sold out, safely choose the cheaper 2D, and I doubt you’ll miss out on anything.
2. “The Last Song”Story: A rebellious, angsty (is there another kind lately?) teen (played by reigning queen of the tween generation, Miley Cyrus) is forced or spend a summer in her father’s (Greg Kinnear, always good to see) Southern beach home. Young love, some good heart-to-heart chats, and (knowing that this comes from the pen of romance/cheesy novel guru, Nicholas Sparks), some kind of death will probably ensue.
The Good: I will always love Greg Kinnear (As Good as it Gets, Little Miss Sunshine, You’ve Got Mail), who, over the years, has become one of those dependable, charismatic actors who elevate just about anything they star in (yes, even Mystery Men). And as much as I can’t stand her overacting from the few episodes I’ve seen of Hannah Montana, I hear good things about Miley Cyrus’ performance here. Mainly, that it’s the work of a talented young actress, and not necessarily a Disney-packaged product trying to branch away from her target audience. Oh, and for a fun fact, this looks like the high-profile debut of young Aussie hunk, Liam Hemsworth – he’s the younger brother of Chris Hemsworth, who made an impressive splash in the opening of J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek (he played Kirk’s father) and will next tackle Marvel’s superheroic Norse god of thunder, Thor! (I know, not particularly relevant, but it’s nice to see that this family might just have two talented siblings up its sleeve.) I may have my problems with author Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, the recent hit, Dear John), but he is known to make watchable films, especially if you’re in the mood for a grab-the-hanky tearjerker.
The Bad: I really can’t stand Nicholas Sparks. I’m sorry, I respect the fact that he’s a mega-best-selling writer (while I’m, ahem, a grouchy newbie with nothing close to publication), and his books get turned into at least modest-hit films (even the pretty awful Nights in Rodanthe did well on home video). Nonetheless, the level of manipulation in his stories drives me insane. There is always some kind of death (really, it might as well be a character in each story! The Grim Reaper probably gets most of his business from Sparks’ novels/movies) and his characters seem to operate only on the level of big declarations and ultimate, hokey resolutions. I’ll admit: The Notebook was pretty good (mainly because of the performances, though, and despite that corny conclusion), but that was one of the few. Judging by the okay (if unenthusiastic) reviews, this looks to hit closer to Dear John or A Walk to Remember territory.
Reviews: Okay. Nothing too positive, but very few outright negative notices either. Much like Clash of the Titans (which, I’ll admit, must looks as bad to some people as this movie looks to me), you know what you’re getting into. If you’re a fan of the previous Nicholas Sparks adaptations, this one might do the trick.
Overall: This is probably good counter-programming to the male-skewing Clash of the Titans. I have a soft spot for adventure films, so I’m sticking with Sam Worthington and his band of Greek warriors and over-the-top special effects. However, if a romantic drama is more to your liking (and you’ve enjoyed the other films based on Nicholas Sparks' works), then this might be the choice for you. If anything, it could be the first promising step for a young actress to watch, and it will certainly have some nice moments with Greg Kinnear, if the below trailer is any indication.
3. “Why Did I Get Married Too?”Story: Four couples (returning from the first film in this series, with Janet Jackson and Tyler Perry reprising their original roles) gather together for a tropical vacation, all the while exposing their marital problems and concerns.
The Good: At this point, Tyler Perry has become a brand all by himself, especially thanks to his tough-talking Southern grandma character, Madea. This is a sequel to a film that had quite a remarkable box-office debut in 2007, so there’s certainly a fanbase for it. I have never seen the first film, nor really any other film from Tyler Perry’s collection, so it’s impossible for me to judge (although some of my friends of mine have, and they warned me that his particular style of moralizing and focus on faith might not be up my alley).
The Bad: It’s hard to tell: the trailer did nothing for me (looks to be, like Nicholas Sparks' stuff, a lot of BIG emotional speeches) and the below disappointing reviews don’t exactly inspire confidence. Then again, like I said, I’m not familiar with any of Perry’s other films, so it’s hard to take a critical look at this.
Reviews: Yep, pretty weak. Critics attack the film for its sermonizing style (sounds like it reduces itself to a lot talking heads, as opoosed to actual narrative momentum) and a mostly lackluster shooting style.
Overall: Well, if you were a fan of the first film, you will probably want to see this for some sense of completion.
And that’s it for this weekend! What do you guys think? Are you tempted by the effects-heavy promise of Clash of the Titans (no worries if you’re not—I can admit that that film just happens to fall into my particular geeky preference)?
What do you guys plan on seeing this weekend, if anything?
- Trailers courtesy of Trailer Addict.
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