New Releases - Week of October 15th

CONVICTION

Starring: Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, Minnie Driver, Melissa Leo & Juliette Lewis

Directed by Tony Goldwyn for distribution by Fox Searchlight

The Plot: In 1983, Bette Anne Waters (Swank) witnessed her brother Kenny (Rockwell) arrested and convicted for a murder she was convinced he didn’t commit. For the next 18 years, she put herself through high school, college and law school in a quest to free him.

The Final Word: It seems like every time Hilary Swank does a dramatic movie the critics line up to shower her with awards. Granted that usually doesn’t result in high box office numbers, in fact I can’t remember the last time one of her movies crossed the $100 million mark. Lately we’ve also begun to see some chinks in that critical armor as well, with last year’s “Amelia” never getting off the ground.  Make no mistake; Fox is going to market this real-life story as one of their tent poles this season, but despite a strong cast, the film may not score with the jury of its peers.

JACKASS 3-D

Starring: Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Ryan Dunn, Steve-O, Jason “Wee-Man” Acuna

Directed by Jeff Temaine for distribution by Paramount Pictures

The Plot: Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, “Wee-Man” and the rest of the “Jackass” crew return to theatres one more time and for no apparent reason in 3D.

The Final Word: If you don’t know what “Jackass” is, I really don’t know the best way to describe it, other than a group of guys pulling off incredibly dangerous (and yes, at time funny) stunts with completely disregard for their own safety.  Now in 3D, you get to feel like you are right now there with them! This should be interesting.

RED

Starring: Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren,
Karl Urban, Mary-Louise Parker, Brian Cox, Julian McMahon & Richard Dreyfuss

Directed by Robert Schwentke for distribution by Summit Entertainment

The Plot: A former assassin (Willis) finds himself a target and decides to re-assemble his old team in a attempt to survive.

The Final Word: Bruce Willis has proven he can successfully blend action with comedy and he has a solid chance to do it again here. The cast is strong, the trailer delivers and since it’s a comic book adaptation it has a built in fan base.

Previewed next week: Hereafter & Paranormal Activity 2