It is a bit surprising that the kids get no new releases this week, as they flock to the theaters in summer, but they are left with a slew of other choices. Harry Potter, G-Force, Aliens in the Attic and Ice Age, are all still in threaters for kids to get away from the heat. For the adults, we’ve got something for the ladies, something for the action junkies, and something if you’re into suspense.
G.I. Joe
This is certainly one of those movies that can go one of two ways, instant fame and popularity like Ironman, or cheesy, action like Fantasic Four. Off the bat this movie has two things going for it, one it’s about time they came out with a G. I. Joe movie, and two Channing Tatum has got the looks and the charm to bring in the women. Beyond that it is an action thrill ride that you would expect, especially if you have seen the previews, but it also packs in a bit of comedy and fun along the way. As with most movies of this sort of action spinoff type, it falls short of story and packs in the action, which isn’t always a bad thing when you’re just looking for a fun break from reality.
Julie & Julia
Based on the story of Julia Child and the woman who decades later cooks everything in her cookbook and writes a blog about it. Meryl Streep (Julia Child) does not disappoint and I still have my doubts as to if she ever will, and she’s paired again with Stanley Tucci (Julia’s husband, Paul) and they have unbelievable chemistry onscreen. But therein lies the problem I have with this movie, as cute as she may be (Amy Adams), I see very little draw to the Julie story. “I’m going to cook and write a blog about it.” Well good for you, glad you can afford it and dedicate that kind of time to it, but the character just seems whiny and the story behind her is boring. So you might want to wait for dvd so you can skip right to the glorious parts with Streep and Tucci.
A Perfect Getaway
It seems that nearly every movie that has suspense and a little bit of cheap scares is being marketed as a horror latel, and maybe it’s because they’re been a lack of them this summer. This movie details two newlyweds, who decide to backpack through Hawaii, they meet up with two other couples and find out that a different newlywed couple has been killed. Of course the only thing to do then is try and solve who it is. Expect loopholes and being hit over the head with the fact that the ending “keeps you guessing.” Overall there are no big names or really new ideas in this movie, and the murders are not even that scary or intriguing, so this one you might consider waiting till it comes out on dvd to give it a try.
There are a few limited releases this weekend, but only one that sounds truly intriguing to me.
I Sell the Dead
If the title doesn’t get you thinking, just wait till you hear the story line. Two graverobbers are now facing their own death – by guillotine. As they await the end, they think back on their lives as graverobbers from beginning to end, and the story is filled with more adventure and real horror than you would ever expect. It’s worth checking out as it will probably give you the creeps and maybe a scare or two, long before A Perfect Getaway does.