Jan 17 is the first “big name weekend” of the year. Several crowd drawing stars, such as Kevin Hart and Chris Pine, will see their films released for public consumption. Below, we’ve compiled a quick guide to said movies for your benefit. Read, and possibly buy tickets, carefully.
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
Genre: Action
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Chris Pine, Kevin Costner, Keira Knightley
Rating: PG-13
The first new film of the weekend stars Chris Pine as Jack Ryan, as a CIA analyst (which seems to be the go to job for screenwriters looking for a hot young star who blows stuff up) who discovers a Russian plot to crash the United States’ economy with a terrorist attack. Early reviews have been lukewarm and it currently holds a 58/100 on Metacritic. But those looking for a high octane joy ride will be thoroughly pleased.
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9KAnx4EvaE
Ride Along
Genre: Comedy
Director: Tim Story
Starring: Kevin Hart, Ice Cube
Rating: PG-13
The more adult-oriented comedy opening this weekend is Ride Along. With stars like Kevin Hart and Ice Cube, most will be surprised that it only received a PG-13 rating from the MPAA. But somehow, it has. The plot revolves around Ben (Hart) going on a 24-hour ride along with his fiancee’s brother James (Ice Cube) in order to prove that he is worthy of marrying James’ sister. Reception on this one has been “meh” as well, with a rating of 41/100 on Metacritic. Fans of Hart or the Cube (as well call him around here) might want to check it out, but others may want to consider seeing something else.
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5klp6rkHIks
The Nut Job
Genre: Comedy
Director: Peter Lepeniotis
Starring: Will Arnett, Liam Neeson, Brendan Fraser
Rating: PG
This animated flick stars Will Arnett as Surly, a squirrel who is banished from the local park and forced to survive in the city. Things look grim, until Surly discovers the holy-grail: Maury’s Nut Store. With the help of some friends, Surly sets his sights on robbing the store and surviving winter. Despite it’s fairly original premise and long list of stars, The Nut Job only managed to score a 34/100 on Metacritic, the lowest score of the weekend. Based on reviews alone, I’d advise most everyone to steer clear (save for Liam Neeson fans of course). But if you happen to be babysitting younger kids this weekend and are looking for a way to kill two hours, this might be the film for you.
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq4qP2oSpIA
Devil’s Due
Genre: Horror
Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
Starring: Allison Miller, Zach Gilford, Sam Anderson
Rating: R
Another day, another found footage horror film. This one is an apparent nod to the horror classic Rosemary’s Baby. It features a woman who, after a series of unusual events, discovers she may be pregnant with a demon. Unlike the film is based on, which is considered a horror classic, Devil’s Due it looking like a dud. It currently holds a 35/100 on Metacritic. Just steer clear, there’s better films out there.