New In Theaters - February 24, 2012

ACT OF VALOR

Starring: Active Duty Navy SEALS

Roselyn Sanchez, Alex Veadov, Jason Cottle & Nester Serrano

Directed by "Mouse" McCoy & Scott Waugh for distribution by Relativity Media

The Plot: A Navy SEAL team dispatched to rescue a kidnapped CIA operative ends up discovering a potentially devastating terrorist plot in the process.

The Final Word: Inspired by actual events and (billed as) starring actual active duty Navy SEALs this action film is getting heavy promotion from distributor Relativity. The plan worked well for the studio last year when it used the Super Bowl to launch Bradley Cooper’s “Limitless,” but that type of luck may not strike twice, as four of Relativity’s other low budget projects with lesser known names bombed miserably in 2011. The jury is still out on this one...

WANDERLUST

Starring: Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston, Justin Theroux, Malin Akerman,

Kathryn Hahn, Lauren Ambrose, Ken Marino,

 Joe Lo Truglio, Kerri Kenney-Silver & Alan Alda

Directed by David Wain for distribution by Universal Pictures

The Plot: Following being laid off from his job, an uptight New Yorker and his equally set in her ways wife find themselves living on a commune.

The Final Word: Forget the plot, in a lot of circles this has long been known simply as the movie when Jennifer Aniston fully embraces nudity in film. Honestly with that moniker attached, it may not make a difference what the movie is about or if it’s even funny.

GONE

Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Jennifer Carpenter,

Wes Bentley, Sebastian Stan & Michael Pare

Directed by Heitor Dhalia for distribution by Summit Entertainment

The Plot: Following her sister’s abduction, a woman seeks out the serial killer who targeted her two years prior; convinced this is his method of payback for her escaping his grasp.

The Final Word: Amanda Seyfried has quickly jumped out of the shadows and into leading lady territory, but this seems awfully similar to a number of Katie Holmes’ failed dramas from the late 1990’s and early 2000’s that were supposed to be her big break out. The difference is that Seyfried has already successfully opened a movie (“Dear John”) on her name alone, but this one seems forced.

TYLER PERRY’S GOOD DEEDS

Starring: Tyler Perry, Thandie Newton, Brian White, Rebecca Romijn
Jamie Kennedy,Eddie Cibrian, Jordenn Thompson, 
Beverly Johnson, Phylicia Rashad & Gabrielle Union

Directed by Tyler Perry for distribution by Lionsgate

The Plot: On the verge of getting married, a wealthy man with strong morels starts to develop feeling a single mother while helping her get back on her feet.

The Final Word: Tyler Perry films do very well no matter what! That’s pretty much all that needs to be said.

New In Theaters - February 17, 2012

GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Idris Elba, Fergus Riordan,

Ciaran Hinds, Violante Placido, Johnny Whitworth

The Plot: Johnny Blaze returns to team up with a rebel group of monks in attempt to save a young boy from the devil’s grip.

The Final Word: While Nicholas Cage’s choice of films have seemingly become a running joke in Hollywood, the truth is that Cage is still getting heavily compensated for these roles and thus having the real last laugh. The sequel to the 2007 pseudo-hit debuts in the exact same timeframe as the original and will probably do the same amount of business, but that may only be because of a slight bump in profits courtesy of 3D up-charges. Nobody is really excepting this one to set the box office on fire.

THIS MEANS WAR

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy,

Chelsea Handler, Til Schweiger & Abigail Spencer

The Plot: Two of the CIA’s best operatives and longtime friends face off when they both fall for the same woman.

The Final Word: Resse Witherspoon has long history of playing “that girl” in many studios’ romantic comedies and after taking some time off to go the serious route, she’s slowly been returning to the field that launched her career. With a mix of eye candy and action sequences “War,” on paper, may literally the perfect Valentine’s Day movie.

THE SPIRIT OF ARRIETTY

Starring (voices): Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler, Carol Burnett,

Will Arnett, David Henrie & Moises Arias

The Plot: The daughter of a small group of little people living in the floorboards of a large house befriends the young son of the family who just moved in; despite warnings that if discovered the results could be disastrous.

The Final Word: Sound a little like “The Borrowers?” That’s because it basically is! Based on the acclaimed book series by Mary Norton, this new Disney animated film comes from the Academy Award winning team behind “Spirited Away,” and boasts a somewhat impressive voice cast including Carol Burnett.  Audiences looking for a kid friendly animated flick during the President’s Day weekend should have no problem settling in for this one.

New In Theaters - February 10, 2012

SAFE HOUSE

Starring: Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, Brendan Gleeson,

Sam Shepard, Vera Farmiga, Fares Fares & Robert Patrick

Directed by Daniel Espinosa for distribution by Universal

The Plot: A low level CIA operative is forced to partner with a captured renegade when their safe house is compromised and the pair realize they’ll need each other’s help to survive.

The Final Word: While there honestly isn’t anything very inventive here about the plot (at least on paper), nobody is going to care because of the talented case associated with it. We know Denzel Washington can portray both good guys and bad, but for some reason it’s always more fun to watch him play the villain. Ryan Reynolds on the other hand is known primarily for being the hero and this pairing shouldn’t have any problems drawing a crowd. Audiences are unwilling to part with their money unless they are certain what they are going to get; in case they know exactly what they are going to get and that’s why this will work.

JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson,

Vanessa Hudgens, Luis Guzma & Kristen Davis

Directed by Brad Peyton for distribution by New Line (WB)

The Plot:  Following the events of the original, a now seventeen year old Sean Anderson convinces his stepfather to accompany him on a quest to a mysterious island from which he’s been receiving coded messages.

The Final Word: The original “Journey To The Center Of The Earth,” wasn’t a massive success, but it did well enough to merit a sequel, even if the film’s original star Brendan Fraser took a pass on the project. Stepping into the lead role will be Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who coming off “Fast Five” has never seen his box office stock higher. Still the film will be going up against the 3D re-launch of “Star Wars: Episode I” which could give it a run for its money over the normally profitable President’s Day weekend.

  

STAR WARS: EPISODE 1 - THE PHANTOM MENACE

Starring: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd

Ian McDiarmid, Pernilla August, Ahmed Best,

Anthony Daniels, Ray Park, Kenny Baker & Frank Oz

Directed by George Lucas for distribution by 20^th Century Fox

The Plot: The iconic sci-fi franchise unleashes the first of its sixth installments in 3D.

The Final Word: While this was always in the works, long before Disney scored with “The Lion King 3D,” the decision to release the “Star Wars” film was motivated by the same result; added money. Although it will be interesting to see how a non-Disney film does with the 3D re-release experiment, especially given that “Menace” was one of the least liked in the series. Still “Star Wars” have proven for years, they’ll buy and re-buy the same movies over and over again even if the only differences are aesthetic.  

THE VOW

Starring: Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum, Sam Neill,

Scott Speedman & Jessica Lange

Directed by Michael Sucsy for distribution by Screen Gems (Sony)

The Plot: Following a traumatic car accident a man must make his wife fall in love with him all over again when she loses all memories of the pair as a couple.

The Final Word: Like “Dear John,” last year, Channing Tatum looks to have another Valentine’s Day tearjerker on his ever expanding filmography. Based on actual events, the movie should play extremely well given its timing and its very likable cast.

Previewed next week: This Means War, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, The Secret World Of Arrietty.

New In Theaters - February 3, 2012

BIG MIRACLE

Starring: Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski, Kristen Bell,

Dermot Mulroney, Tim Blake Nelson & Ted Danson

Directed by Ken Kwapis for distribution by Universal

The Plot: A small town reporter and a his Greenpeace volunteer ex-girlfriend are thrust together when they become a part of a nationally covered mission to save a family of grey whales trapped under ice in the Arctic circle.

The Final Word: Based on actual events “Big Miracle” looks to be in a strong position to succeed at the box office given its family friendly plot and strong cast, which should act as a nice buffer for people looking to escape Super Bowl madness. Although it will only have a one week window before “Journey 2” and “Star Wars: Episode I: 3D” swoop into theaters looking to capitalize on the President’s Day weekend.

CHRONICLE

Starring: Dane DeHaan, Michael B. Jordan,

Alex Russell & Michael Kelly

Directed by Joshua Trank for distribution by 20^th Century Fox

The Plot: Three teens begin to develop superpowers, but realize their newfound abilities may also lead them down a dark path as their lives begin to spiral out of control.

The Final Word: By now you’ve probably seen the clever trailers for the film, which really doesn’t portray it as your usual run of the mill movie. While it’s not a “found-footage” situation, it looks to be very close to that ballpark. With that said, it also won’t be the only horror film out this week as CBS Films will release “The Woman In Black.” Still you have to question the release date for both films as the target audience is going to be focused on the big game, not the big new Cineplex openings.

THE WOMAN IN BLACK

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Ciaran Hinds, Liz White, Janet McTeer,

Alisa Khazanova,Tim McMullan & Roger Allam,

Directed by James Watkins for distribution by CBS Films

The Plot: A lawyer is sent to a remote location to sort out the final will of a recently deceased client, only to find himself haunted by a mysterious woman in black, whose presence has even the locals spooked.

 The Final Word:  CBS Films doesn’t have the most amazing box office track record, which is surprisingly given the company’s strategy of producing low-cost movies with notable talent attached. Here, the company has Daniel Radcliffe in his first on-screen post “Harry Potter” role, but despite the actor’s strong appeal, “Black’s” release date is a question mark, given that its being placed in the same period as this year’s Super Bowl. Traditionally, films in that window don’t do particularly well.


Previewed next week: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, Safe House, Star Wars: Episode I 3D, The Vow 

New In Theaters - January 27, 2012

THE GREY

Starring: Liam Neeson, Frank Grillo, Dermot Mulroney,

Dallas Roberts, Joe Anderson, James Badge Dale & Nonso Anozie

Directed by Joe Carnahan for distribution by Open Road Films

The Plot: A group of Alaskan oil workers fight for survival against the elements a blood thirsty pack of wolves following a plane crash.

The Final Word: Director Joe Carnahan is one of those directors known for his over the top action sequences, which haven’t always panned out. Although there is something special about Liam Nesson movies released during this timeframe. His last two films “Taken” & “Unknown” bowed in theaters in this window and proved to be successful hits, with “Taken” even spawning a sequel.  Nesson has become of the most respected (and somewhat bankable) actors out there and if he signs his name to a picture, the majority of the time you won’t be disappointed (Carnahan’s “The A-Team” re-make aside).

ONE FOR THE MONEY

Starring: Katherine Heigl, Jason O'Mara, Daniel Sunjata,

John Leguiziamo, Debbie Reynolds & Debra Monk

Directed by Julie Ann Robinson for distribution by Lionsgate

The Plot: A newly divorced woman takes a job as a bounty hunter and draws a former boyfriend as her first collar.

The Final Word: Remember when Katherine Heigel was a successful film star? Yeah, it’s been a while, but some have suggested this reverse “Bounty Hunter” from noted author Janet Evanovich could reverse her downward box office spiral. Jury’s still out….

Previewed next week: Big Miracle, Chronicle, The Woman In Black

New In Theaters - January 20, 2012

UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION

Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Stephen Rea, Michael Ealy,

Theo James, India Eisley & Charles Dance

Directed by Måns Mårlind & Björn Stein for distribution by Sony Screen Gems

The Plot: Now aware of both the Vampire and Lycan clans, humankind embarks on a quest to destroy them, but have to battle vampire protector Selene to achieve their goal.

The Final Word: Like the “Resident Evil” series, the “Underworld” franchise isn’t going anywhere. Now into its fourth installment, the horror films starring Kate Beckinsale return to their usual release window and look to again capitalize on an audience that clearly remains interested.

HAYWIRE

Starring: Gina Carano, Channing Tatum, Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender

Antonio Banderas, Bill Paxton, Michael Douglas & Michael Angarano

Directed by Steven Soderbergh for distribution by Relativity Media

The Plot: Betrayed by her own organization, a black ops solider seeks payback on those who have wronged her as tried to figure out why she was targeted.

The Final Word: Originally, when news of this movie broke, many laughed it off as just another attempt by a athlete to cross-over to acting. Although since then a few new developments had emerged such as a strong supporting cast of known stars signed on and Steven Soderbergh was announced as director. Now the thriller starting mixed-martial-arts breakout Gina Carono has clawed its way into the conversation and audiences are legitimately psyched for its release.

RED TAILS

Starring: Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard, Bryan Cranston,

Nate Parker, David Oyelowo, Ne-Yo, Michael B. Jordan,

Daniela Ruah, Stacie Davis & Gerald McRaney

Directed by Anthony Hemingway for distribution by 20th Century Fox & Lucasfilm

The Plot: A new take on the historical tale of the legendary Tuskegee air men, who bravely battled a war against international enemies and one against domestic discrimination.

The Final Word: While the story of the Tuskegee air men is well known, this new spin on the story comes from 20th Century Fox and George Lucas’ Lucasfilm, which means you can some cool visual effects that previous adaptation were probably lacking. This version also has a talented array of lead actors including Terrance Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr., Bryan Cranston and Gerald McCraney.

Previewed next week: One For The Money, The Grey

New In Theaters - January 13, 2012

CONTRABAND

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Kate Beckinsale, Ben Foster, Giovanni Ribisi,

Caleb Landry Jones, Lukas Haas, Diego Lun & J.K. Simmons

Directed by Baltasar Kormákur for distribution by Universal

The Plot: A reformed international smuggler is pulled back into his old life when his brother-in-law botches a job for a ruthless criminal.

The Final Word: Actors stepping behind the camera is nothing new, but this is definitely a unique situation as Icelandic actor Baltasar Kormákur is directing this American version of a top foreign film that he headlined.  While Universal probably isn’t expecting the film (based on the movie Reykjavik-Rotterdam) to break the bank, movies in this particular release window have historically opened strong as audiences are looking for something different than traditional holiday fare.

JOYFUL NOISE

Starring: Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Keke Palmer,

Courtney B. Vance, Jeremy Jordan & Kris Kristofferson

Directed by Todd Graff for distribution by Warner Brothers

The Plot: Two choir members clash over their visions for how their group should prepare for the national championships.

The Final Word: Conversely to “Contraband,” while action films do well in this window, comedies don’t fare half as well. Audiences sense that comedies released so close to the holidays, but not during the holidays, were held back for a reason and in most cases they are right. Still, having Dolly Parton as your lead, at least guarantees your film some strong publicity.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 3D

Starring (voices): Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White,

Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers, Angela Lansbury, Bradley Pierce,

Rex Everhart, Jesse Corti, Hal Smith & Jo Anne Worley

Directed by Gary Trousdale & Kirk Wise for distribution by Disney

The Plot: The Oscar-nominated Disney film returns to theaters, but this time in 3D.

The Final Word: It may be a “tale as old as time” but it is also one of Disney’s most successful animated films EVER and following the success of “The Lion King 3D,” the house the mouse built may be able to afford another wing if this one performs as well. Disney actually has a little more banking on this than they did with “Lion,” as it was the success of “Lion” that prompted this continuation of re-releasing older classics with a 3D twist. 

Previewed: Underworld: Awakening, Haywire, Redtails