11/11 – 11/13 This weekend’s box office may be interesting. If not for the huge success of Chicken Little last weekend, I’d be ready to predict Zathura as this weekend’s number one. But perhaps people have already gotten their family friendly fill with Disney’s mediocre, CGI entertainment. Or maybe not. Here’s my usual look at what’s opening in theaters this weekend:
Misc. Limited Releases (Opening in fewer than 500 theaters.)
Pride and Prejudice opens in 215 theaters this weekend, and while normally I’d be quick to run screaming from yet another adaptation of this Jane Austen subject matter (in fact it’s the second one just this year), this Keira Knightley powered version is getting good enough buzz that it might be worth checking out. In 19 theaters is the year’s third or fourth (I’ve lost track) spelling bee movie, Bee Season. This one stars Richard Gere which gives us all an extra reason to avoid it. Also debuting is the rather cool looking Japanese horror film Pulse. It’s only in a single theater though, so don’t bother looking for it. Instead, the movie that’s blipping strongest on my radar is Sarah Silverman: Jesus Is Magic. Even though it’s a comedy concert movie (which should usually be avoided like the plague), the title makes me giggle and Sarah does too. Look for it in a meager 7 theaters. Hopefully it goes wider later on.
Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (Opened in 1,652 theaters on Wed.)
50 Cent is a bad person. This movie is about him, so that makes it a bad movie. He’s a scumbag, and there’s no way to clean him up. Don’t give me that drug dealer with a heart of gold crap. Eminem’s movie, 8 Mile had something. This does not. But, if you’re a shallow, empty person who thinks being rich is the most important thing in the world whatever the cost, then go check this out on your way to sell Crack to little kids. The world would be a better place without Curtis Jackson and his movie.
Zathura (Opened in 3,223 theaters on Wed.)
Favreau’s film is nice to look at, but I’m not sure it’s anything more than that. If you’re confused about the plot, go rent Jumanji and then picture it in outer space. That should cover it. It’s a fun enough movie, but occasionally confusing and frustrating. I think this is one that’ll play a lot better to kids than for parents. That said, Dax Shepherd is surprisingly good and Favreau claims the movie uses more than the usual amount of CGI-less practical effects, which is also good. If he did use CGI, for the most part it’s such good CGI you won’t even notice. If you’re looking for a family film, pick this over Chicken Little.
Derailed (Opens in 2,441 theaters.)
I give up. I’m a Clive Owen fan. I did my best to resist, but that craggy faced cat is just too damn cool. He really should be Bond. But he isn’t, so instead you’ll find him starring opposite Jennifer Anniston in Derailed, a movie about two cheating spouses who get caught, and then subsequently stalked, tortured, and blackmailed. It’s nice to see Anniston taking a few more risks with her career. This character looks to be totally against type for her, and that’s a good thing. She toyed with edgier material in The Good Girl, but this takes her even closer to the edge. Don’t expect nudity or hardcore drug use, she’s not that far off from her overbearing “America’s Sweetheart” persona, but if anyone can get her to loosen up it’s Clive Owen. He slutted up Julia Roberts and Natalie Portman in Closer, let’s see what he can do for Jennifer. Derailed’s too interesting to pass up.
STILL IN THEATERS AND WORTH YOUR TIME: Jarhead, The Weather Man
