THE FIVE YEAR ENGAGEMENT
Starring: Jason Segel, Emily Blunt, Chris Pratt,
Alison Brie & Rhys Ifans
Directed by Nicolas Stoller for distribution by
Universal Pictures
The Plot: An engaged
couple experience the ups and down of wedding planning as they attempt to make
it down the aisle…at some point.
The Final Word: As with most
movies starring “How I Met Your Mother” star Jason Segel, this one was
co-written by the actor as well. Re-teaming with “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”
director Nicolas Stoller, Segel could have yet another hit on his resume as
“Engagement” is garnering a lot buzz and co-star Emily Blunt is just as
likeable a lead.
THE RAVEN
Starring: John Cusack, Luke Evans, Alice Eve,
Brendan Gleeson & Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Directed by James McTeigue for distribution by
Relativity
The Plot: After a
psychopath begins staging horrific murders based on his books, Edgar Allen Poe
teams with a young Baltimore detective to stop his serial streak.
The Final Word: It’s been a
while since John Cusack fronted a movie, but audiences could be intrigued the
concept, although the same audience may be more intrigued Jason Statham’s
action film “Safe,” which opens the same weekend.
SAFE
Starring: Jason Statham, Robert John Burke, Chris
Sarandon,
Anson Mount & Catherine Chan
Directed by Boaz Yakin for distribution by Lionsgate
The Plot: A one-time
cage fighter’s quest for vengeance comes full circle when he finds himself the
protector of gifted young girl being chased by the same gang that ruined his
life.
The Final Word: By this point,
does it really even matter what the plot of any Jason Statham movie is? The
star of “The Transporter” franchise, Statham has consistently proven he can
open a action film on essentially his name alone. “Safe” should be no
different.
THE PIRATES! BAND OF MISFITS
Starring: Hugh Grant, David Tennant, Imelda Staunton,
Martin Freeman & Jeremy Piven
Directed by Peter Lord for distribution by Columbia Pictures (Sony)
The Plot: Aided by his misfit crew a pirate sets out to be named “Pirate Of The Year,” but must contend with a number of enemies also vying for the honor.
The Final Word: Shot using stop-motion animation, this should tide over parents look for a kid-friendly film until the summer season officially kicks off. Although it’s also worth noting that the film’s voice cast is really intriguing as A-listers Hugh Grant and Salma Hayek lead the ensemble, which could net it some extra viewers.
