I'll split the way you approach your movie viewing experience this weekend into two different categories:
1. People who haven't seen The Dark Knight Rises.
and
2. People who have seen The Dark Knight Rises.
It's pretty simple really. If you are part of group 1, then go see TDKR first. It's worth your money, and now that there is a larger variety in theaters, the theaters should be a lot less empty, which is optimal when enjoying the movie experience.
If you are a part of group 2 and want to go to the movies, then you have several options this weekend which is nice. I'll start with the Jay Roach directed, Will Farrell and Zach Galifianakis acted comedy, The Campaign. If you liked Adam McKay, and Farrell's collaborations with lots of improvisation, and absurd comedy, then you will have a pretty good time at this movie.
Like most of Farrell's movies, it gets you laughing, often times hard, but the story is non existent. I actually got to see an early screening of the film itself, and I laughed my ass off during several scenes, however I left the theater feeling unfulfilled because I like the balance of story and comedy to be equal.
For those of you who don't know what the movie is about, it's about a Congressman, who runs up against a socially awkward citizen who is pushed into the campaign race by his father to appease some horrible corporation. Sounds like most politics sadly, and Galifianakis is not far from presidents we have had in our past so the satire is there and it works marginally. The movie just doesn't seem to have a point necessarily, it just offers a sideways look at politics with some hilarious banter and empty morals. If you like Will Farrell comedy movies, then you will enjoy this movie. Just don't go into it hoping to be completely fulfilled. Like most of his movies they leave you feeling satisfied because you laughed, but not satisfied because what you saw was good. Still if you haven't seen Ted then go see that because it has a lot more laughs, but if you've been waiting for another comedy since, this is your best bet.
The Bourne movie without Matt Damon, and without Bourne entirely, The Bourne Legacy is probably the biggest release this weekend. Star on the rise Jeremy Renner, and Rachel Weisz look to fill the void that Matt Damon will leave (how is that possible), and add a much broader perspective of the entire series as a whole. Critics have been very Topsy Turvy in their reviews saying that some things work, and some things don't. A lot of people have said that it doesn't have the same intensity, and action as the other Bourne's, but others like where the story has gone if they could handle the two hour and fifteen minute run time.
Right now as I type this Legacy sits at 51% on the tomatometer meaning that 51% of critics have given it a positive review. Usually once the movie is between 40 and 60 percent then I don't really know what to expect for the movie. Movies I love have failed to break 60 percent, but typically when you're in that range it means that it's a fair movie, but nothing to write home about. I happen to like Tony Gilroy and am happy that they decided to expand upon the series in a creative way so I plan on seeing it, perhaps even tonight. When I heard there was a Bourne movie without Damon I was pissed, but when I found out it was without Bourne entirely, I was very intrigued. Sometimes a series needs to be shaken up if it plans on moving forward, and I think this is the way to do it.
One of the problems I've noticed from reading some of the reviews seems to be that people can't really distance themselves from Damon (Bourne) himself. They seem to be looking for a piece that isn't there, Jason Bourne, and it seems like they haven't gone into this with an open mind. They think that the series was fine where it was and didn't need to be expanded upon, especially without Damon himself. Don't get me wrong, I'm probably the second biggest Matt Damon fan I know and I love the man with all my heart, but to keep this franchise going it had to change and expand before it could move forward. Without seeing the movie I know there are contract talks and rumors surrounding the possibility of a Bourne film starring both Damon and Renner. You put the two of them together and sheer cinematic bliss could happen.
What you need to do going into this film is have an open mind. Don't get attached to the fact that you won't see anything more than clips, and pictures of Matt Damon from the other films. Then you're just setting yourself up to be disappointed. Tony Gilroy is a very talented filmmaker and writer, so give him the chance he deserves to continue the story and expand upon the Bourne world. Also don't be disappointed if the film doesn't live up to the others in terms of action. It sounds like this film tries to develop a much bigger story which sounds like there could be less action. Either that or there is the same amount of action and the movie is just really long. I won't know until I see it but either way I'm excited to see it. Edward Norton and the rest of the supporting roles from the other films round out the cast. If you're in the mood for an action movie and you have seen The Dark Knight Rises then this should be your movie.
Hope Springs, the movie about couples therapy for old people starring Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, and Steve Carrell is the last of the three major releases making it's way to your local cineplex. Meryl and TLJ are a couple of drones who have been married for so long that the most exciting thing in their lives is the fact that they just got a new cable subscription with a hell of a lot more channels. Meryl Streep wants to shake things up a bit and presents an ultimatum that they go to couples therapy in Maine. Basically, what this movie is about is old people having sex, or lack-thereof old people having sex. According to the trailer Meryl buys a book called "Sex Tips: For Straight Women by Gay Men" and TLJ is afraid of having sex.
It sounds like I'm not really digging this movie from the get go, but I think that it has a good amount of potential. Steve Carrell plays their councilor, and his impeccable awkward, deadpan comedic timing can provide several laughs. TLJ also is remarkable with deadpan comedy, and Meryl Streep knows her way around a comedy. Somehow I feel like this movie isn't really targeting the 18-25 demographic, but that doesn't mean that I can't find a reasonable amount of enjoyment in a love story about to old birdies who have lost their way. If you want to see a romantic comedy, then this is your best bet. If you're my age then don't just look at this as a movie about old people, but a movie about conserving and preserving love. This is something that works at any age, and works universally. Don't be turned off by all the loose and flabby skin hanging from the main characters faces, you will look like them someday. Actually, you will probably look a lot worse than them, so don't let it turn you off. If you refuse to accept the fact that your parents have had sex in the past, or still have sex, then don't see this movie because you will cry yourself to sleep at night every day for the rest of your life. Also if you're from southeastern CT like I am, and have been to Stonington Borough, then you should definitely see it because a good amount of the film was filmed there so that's kind of cool.
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Breakdown-
So basically I broke this week into three categories if you haven't seen The Dark Knight Rises:
Comedy
If you're in the mood for a laugh out loud comedy (and haven't seen Ted), then see The Campaign.
Action
See The Bourne Legacy.
Romantic Comedy
See Hope Springs.
I hope this helps you try and figure out what you want to see this weekend. It sounds like this weekend isn't going to feature much good weather on the east coast, and that it's balls hot every where else on the country, so this may be a good weekend to take comfort in a nice, refrigerated movie theater. If it's rainy all day, or too hot to go outside, then I recommend looking up what movies have close finish times and beginnings so that maybe you can do a two for one. If you can handle multiple movies in one day, then go for it. Movies are expensive as balls these days, so choose wisely, and get the best bang for your buck is the way I look at it.
I've given you all my knowledge on what's coming out this weekend so-
Choose responsibly.
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