MAGIC MIKE
Starring: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew
McConaughey,
Cody Horn, Olivia Munn, Matt Bomer, Riley Keough,
Joe Mangianello, Kevin Nash, Adam Rodriguez & Gabriel
Iglesias
Directed by Steven Soderbergh for distribution by
Warner Brothers
The Plot: A male stripper
takes a young performer under his wing and teaches him to get the most of their
chosen profession.
The Final Word: This film has
been a labor of love for Tatum since day one as it’s loosely based on his life
prior to breaking through in Hollywood. With two strong hits under his belt so
far in 2012 and an even stronger supporting cast of popular stars, the
in-demand actor stands poised to continue dominating the film world; even if
he’s alienating an entire demographic in the process.
TED
Starring: Seth MacFarlane (voice) Mark Wahlberg,
Mila Kunis,
Giovanni Ribisi, Joel McHale, Patrick Warburton,
Jessica Stroup & Laura Vandervoort
Directed by Seth MacFarlane for distribution by
Universal
The Plot: A young boy’s
childhood wish that his teddy bear would come to life, begins to impact him as
a grownup.
The Final Word: Seth MacFarlane
has a made a career out of crude and over the top humor; however up until now
it’s all been on TV and all of the animated variety. “Ted” is the “Family Guy”
creator’s big screen directorial debut and so far it’s been well received by
his fanbase. Yet the question is how much of that fanbase will pay to see it in
theaters? Universal is banking on that being a high number as it is taking
advantage of “G.I. Joe’s” relocation and moving “Ted” into the prime Fourth Of
July timeframe. With a likeable cast and a very original plot, the move could
be very beneficial and strong counter programming to the female-centric “Magic
Mike.”
PEOPLE LIKE US
Starring: Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Olivia Wilde,
Michael Hall D’Addario, Philip Baker Hall,
Mark Duplass & Michelle Pfeiffer
Directed by Alex Kurtzman for distribution by
DreamWorks
The Plot: Following his
father’s death, a deeply in debt man learns he has a sister he never knew about
and per his dad’s will, must deliver a $150,000 inheritance to her.
The Final Word: The real story
behind this film is actually who is behind this film. Alex Kurtzman and writing
partner Roberto Orci are best known for their work with J.J. Abrams on both the
latest “Star Trek” reboot and the series “Fringe.” “People” marks the pair’s
first straight drama with no supernatural aspects. The movie is going for the
“Up In The Air”/“The Descendants” crowd and if successful could net them more
than a solid box office hit, especially as many critics are hinting this could
be a silent force entering awards season.
TYLER PERRY'S MADEA'S WITNESS PROTECTION
Starring: Tyler Perry, Eugene Levy, Denise Richards,
Doris Roberts, Danielle Campbell, Romeo Miller,
Tom Arnold, John Amos & Marla Gibbs
Directed by Tyler Perry for distribution by
Lionsgate
The Plot: An investment
banker at the center of his company’s Ponzi scheme is relocated with his family
by the FBI to a safe house in the South run by Madea.
The Final Word:
Fact:
Every “Madea” movie has opened to at least $20 million. Translation: Don’t
doubt Perry when he’s in drag as this character has a serious following. Now if
only Perry could make successful films outside of that franchise.
