Weekly Roundup - Opening 11/7

What an eclectic mix of movies this week! Let's see what we've go opening: 3D animated sequel (do one these come out every week?) with Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, sure-to-bomb comedy with Soul Men, might-do-decently comedy with Role Models, depressing but good Holocaust film with The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, and last but not least, a random collection of could-be-awesome stuff with Repo! The Genetic Opera. It's going to be a tough choice this week...

Weekend Suggestion:

I'm going out on a limb this week and picking Repo! The Genetic Opera. Not because it is a sure fire blockbuster. Not because it is going to please everyone. But simply because I want to salute originality! So here's to you random collection of could-be-good-or-could-be-horrible stuff!!

Repo! The Genetic Opera

Movie Info

Directed by: Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II, III, IV)
Written by: Darren Smith & Terrance Zdunich (play & screenplay)
Starring: Paul Sorvino (Romeo + Juliet, Goodfellas), Anthony Head (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dr. Who), Paris Hilton (House of Wax, The Simple Life)
Genre: Horror/Musical/Rock Opera
MPAA Rating: R - for strong bloody violence and gore, language, some drug and sexual content
Runtime: 98 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 26% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 31/100
IMDB Rating: 6.4/10
My Response: Repo! The Genetic Opera is the perfect example of a future cult film because it has everything nobody wants in a movie, and that's exactly why it might work. People either seem to love it or hate it. You'll either smile ear to ear with joy because of the originality or it all, or walk out halfway through and demand your money back because of the random smutness of it. It's your choice.

Trailer



Official Website

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Movie Info

Directed by: Mark Herman (Brassed Off, Little Voice)
Written by: John Boyne (novel), Mark Herman (screenplay)
Starring: Asa Butterfield (Son of Ranbow), David Thewlis (Harry Potter, Timeline), Rupert Friend (Pride & Prejudice, Jolene)
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: PG-13 - for some mature thematic material involving the Holocaust
Runtime: 93 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 63% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 54/100
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
My Response: This movie is supposed to be a very well made Holocaust movie (and based on the well reviewed novel), which means that it should be pretty depressing. While depressing isn't a good mood for a first date, it's great for award shows, and this British film is generating some buzz in that department. Seeing the Holocaust from the eyes of a child is a great new perspective, so I think this film is worth a look.

Trailer



Official Website

Role Models

Movie Info

Directed by: David Wain (Wet Hot American Summer, The Ten)
Written by: W. Blake Herron & Timothy Dowling (story), Paul Rudd, David Wain, Ken Marino, & Timothy Dowling (screenplay)
Starring: Paul Rudd (Knocked Up, Clueless), Seann William Scott (American Pie, The Rundown), Elizabeth Banks (Slither, The 40-Year Old Virgin)
Genre: Comedy
MPAA Rating: R - for crude and sexual content, strong language and nudity.
Runtime: 99 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 75% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 59/100
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
My Response: This movie looks to be pretty funny with some fun loving comedy. The cast has some semi-familiar faces (can you say McLovin?!) that should mesh well to deliver the laughs. This is a must see once it hits the TV screen, and a safe bet at the theater.

Trailer



Official Website

Soul Men

Movie Info

Directed by: Malcolm D. Lee (Roll Bounce, Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins)
Written by: Robert Ramsey & Matthew Stone (screenplay)
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction, Snakes on a Plane), Bernie Mac (The Bernie Mac Show, Mr. 3000), Sharon Lee (Dreamgirls, This Christmas)
Genre: Comedy
MPAA Rating: R - for pervasive language, and sexual content including nudity
Runtime: 103 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 45% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: N/A
IMDB Rating: N/A
My Response: I'm not one to feel bad for marketing executives, but the guys behind this one are in a tough spot since leading man Bernie Mac and supporting star Isaac Hayes both recently passed away. And with the recent death of a friend being a central plot point in this movie, there's not a lot of funny aspects to spin for this film. But on the good side, Bernie Mac can be pretty damn funny on screen, so there should be some laughs. I'd give it a look once it hits the TV screen.

Trailer


Official Website

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

Movie Info

Directed by: Eric Darnell (Madagascar, Antz) & Tom McGrath (Madagascar, Ren and Stimpy)
Written by: Etan Cohen (screenplay)
Starring: Ben Stiller (Madagascar, Night at the Museum), Chris Rock (Madagascar, Dogma), David Schwimmer (Madagascar, Friends)
Genre: Family
MPAA Rating: PG - for some mild crude humor
Runtime: 89 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 67% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 61/100
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
My Response: This one looks pretty easy to review. If you liked the original Madagascar, you'll like this one. If you didn't like the original (or didn't see it), you can probably skip this one and not miss too much. Same exact cast. Same exact staff. Same exact movie.

Trailer



Official Website