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Saturday, March 12, 2011

New In Theaters- March 18, 2011


LIMITLESS
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish, 
Anna Friel & Tomas Arana
Directed by Neil Burger for distribution by Relativity


The Plot: An out-of-work writer (Cooper) discovers a wonder drug designed to let him access 100% of his brain, but finds his newfound intelligence comes with major side effects as well as the interest of a shrewd business mogul (DeNiro) determined to use it for financial gain.

The Final Word: This is a big opportunity for “Hangover” star Bradley Cooper to show he can carry a film without an ensemble to back him. He also won’t exactly be going it alone as Hollywood icon Robert DeNiro is his co-star, but the fact remains it is a great chance for Cooper to shine. He is a very talented actor and Relativity is banking on him to carry this adaptation of author Alan Glynn’s debut novel.


THE LINCOLN LAWYER
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe,
William H. Macy,  Josh Lucas, John Leguizamo, Michael Pena,
Trace Adkins, Katherine Moennig & Erin Carufel
Directed by Brad Furman for distribution by Lionsgate


The Plot: A charismatic and at times morally challenged lawyer (McConaughey), who operates his firm out of his Lincoln Continental car, is drawn into what seems like a straightforward case involving a rich playboy (Phillippe) accused of attempted murder, but soon finds himself in a cat and mouse game of manipulation with possibly deadly consequences.

The Final Word: Some may be hard pressed to name the last movie that McConaughey successfully headlined, but surprisingly it was only a few years back in 2008 when he teamed with Kate Hudson in “Fool’s Gold.” While that may seem like a while ago, by Hollywood standards it is actually in the normal range. Although the year Lionsgate if focused on is 1996, which is the year McConaughey first broke through as a lawyer in John Grisham’s “A Time To Kill.” It is the studio’s hope that McConaughey can reclaim that magic and help them launch what could turn into a new franchise.

PAUL
Starring: Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, Seth Rogen, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig,
 Bill Hader,Jane Lynch, Sigourney Weaver, Joe Lo Truglio, 
David Koechner,Blythe Danner & John Carroll Lynch
Directed by Greg Mottola for distribution by Universal


The Plot: Two sci-fi geeks (Frost, Pegg) pick up an alien hitchhiker (voiced by Rogen) on a cross-country journey through America’s UFO heartland and soon find themselves the focus of a government task force designed to re-capture their new friend.

The Final Word: Frost and Pegg are known for their irreverent humor in movies like “Hot Fuzz” and “Shaun of the Dead,” which gives them a built in audience for this picture. The problem will be drawing in the average viewer who may not be familiar with the pair’s across-the-pond following. With a solid cast of supporting actors and Judd Apatow staple Seth Rogen in the mix, it isn’t outside the realm of possibility they could pull off a surprise at the box office.

Previewed next week: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules & Sucker Punch