New In Theaters - April 27, 2012

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.

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.