We’re headed into another summer weekend and the July 4th weekend makes for a short week ahead. The movie studios know that so there are four movies to rank, and here they go.
Friday June 28th
#1
WHITE HOUSE DOWN (Columbia Pictures)
2hr 17min
Rated: PG-13 (for prolonged sequences of action and violence including intense gunfire and explosions, some language and a brief sexual image.)
Capitol Policeman John Cale (Channing Tatum) has just been denied his dream job with the Secret Service of protecting President James Sawyer (Jamie Foxx). Not wanting to let down his little girl with the news, he takes her on a tour of the White House, when the complex is overtaken by a heavily armed American born terrorist group. Now, with the nation’s government falling into chaos and time running out, it's up to Cale to save the president, his daughter, and the country.
Clearly there is a fascination with making films that show our government falling. Quite frankly, the plot is fairly stupid and redundant, since we’ve seen the White House taken over already this year in Olympus Has Fallen. But that doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth seeing. It is fun, funny and entertaining. It starts a little slow, laying the foundation for the two main characters. For perspective, knowing that it is an action film, it takes 30 minutes before the first explosion.
*Beauvais played Fancy, Foxx’s love interest, in the TV series.
This time Foxx gets the girl as Beauvais plays his First Lady.
But for God’s sake, don’t drink too much. This film is two hours and 17 minutes long! It didn’t need to be.
Who’s it good for: There’s a lot of violence, not that much cursing. Parents use discretion on how much violence you want to expose your teen to. Otherwise a fun holiday film.
#2
THE HEAT (20th Century Fox)
1 hr 57 min
Rated: R (for pervasive language, strong crude content and some violence.)
It’s the story of an uptight FBI special agent Sarah Ashburn ( Sandra Bullock ) who is paired with testy Boston cop Shannon Mullins (Melissa McCarthy) in order to take down a ruthless drug lord. The awkward pair has to learn to make their new partnership work for the common goal, so of course, their trials and triumph are the perfect setting for a comedy.
Bullock is as cute, charming and as funny as you hoped. Melissa McCarthy once again steals the show with her humor. Pleasantly surprised to see Marlon Wayans play a less goofy part. (By the way ladies, he gives suave and charming; and it suits him well.) The delivery of the film in general is light and entertaining. The story/plot isn’t that significant in that it is the tool needed to bring the Ashburn and Mullins together. It is reminiscent of Miss Congeniality types of movies: a little irreverent, goofy, but enjoyable.
This was funnier than expected.
Who’s it good for: It’s a good movie for a girls night, something your mother would love, and even appropriate for a date. It’s a fun comedy.
Wednesday July 3rd
#1
KEVIN HART: LET ME EXPLAIN (Summit Entertainment)
1hr 15mins
Rated: R (for pervasive language including sexual references.)
Filmed at a sold-out performance at Madison Square Garden, comedian Kevin Hart delivers material from his 2012 "Let Me Explain" concert tour in movie form.
A sure fire thing if you like the comedy stylings of Kevin Hart. You have to base everything on that. The cool thing is that in his standup movies he gives you little skits that segway into the stage bits. Historically they don’t all work for me, and that is the same in this film. I think Kevin Hart is funny, for sure, and the standup jokes are a win.
*WARNING: the N-word is used.
Who’s it good for: Adults who enjoy comedy, especially Kevin Hart, will have a good time.
#2
THE LONE RANGER (Disney)
2hr 29min
Rated: PG-13 (for sequences of intense action and violence, and some suggestive material.)
The famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes as Native American warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice.
It’s an epic movie that you’ve come to expect from Disney, with a deep message that you also see in Disney films (including animated ones.) Oh, boy is it long, but it is vivid and doesn’t sugar coat some of the brutality of history. Depp and Hammer give glorious comic relief, and the rest of the casting is spot on perfect, as Disney does. It is extremely violent, but there isn’t any cursing.
Who’s it good for: It is meant to be a family film, but I think some of the messages may be too strong for younger children to take. Use discretion based on that and the violence, but it can be a film that boys love forever.
To buy exclusive merchandise from these films, click here.
SPECIAL: complete ranking combining both weekends
- White House Down
- Let Me Explain
- The Heat
- The Lone Ranger
Post a Comment