Weekly Roundup - Opening 11/21

For the second week in a row, only three movies are opening on Friday. Obviously, the best looking movie this week is the one not everyone can see due to the limited opening (Special), and the movie that looks to be delivering a crapfest of unoriginality will most likely make the most money this weekend (Twilight). But hey, at least we've got a family film in that looks entertaining (Bolt).

Weekend Suggestion:

I would recommend Special with Michael Rapaport, but since it's in such a limited release, I can't pick it. Therefore, Bolt is the pick of the week. And if you can, try to watch it in 3D. Those fun and goofy glasses always add a new level to the whole movie watching experience.

Twilight

Movie Info

Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke (Thirteen, Lords of Dogtown)
Written by: Stephenie Meyer (novel), Melissa Rosenberg (screenplay)
Starring: Kristen Stewart (Jumper, Panic Room), Robert Pattinson (Harry Potter 4 & 5), Billy Burke (Ladder 49, 24)
Genre: Drama/Horror
MPAA Rating: PG-13 - for some violence and a scene of sensuality
Runtime: 122 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 44% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 56/100
IMDB Rating: 5.5/10
My Response: Seriously, what's with vampires these days? There are best selling vampire books, a hit TV show (True Blood on HBO), and movies?!? I honestly don't get it. But I know who does: people who want to sell stuff to teenage girls. Hey, let's be honest. Boy bands have been dead for a while now, so what's a teenage girl to spend her money on? Vampires! Yea! Twilight has been getting all kinds of attention and publicity for this reason, and it's not even going to be as good as The Lost Boys, let alone Interview with a Vampire. Skip it.

Trailer



Official Website

Bolt

Movie Info

Directed by: Byron Howard (directorial debut) & Chris Williams (Galgo's Quest)
Written by: Dan Fogelman & Chris Williams (screenplay)
Starring: John Travolta (Broken Arrow, Grease), Miley Cirus (Hannah Montana), Susie Essman (Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Man)
Genre: Family/Animation/Comedy
MPAA Rating: PG - for some mild action and peril
Runtime: 96 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 84% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 67/100
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
My Response: I am admittedly bias when it comes to animated movies these days, as I feel nothing out there is up to par with what comes out of the Pixar studio (Wall-E, Ratatouille). But Bolt has been getting pretty good reviews and it looks to be the best of the rest when it comes to animated movies these days. Rent it.

Trailer



Official Website

Special

Movie Info

Directed by: Hal Haberman (directorial debut) & Jeremy Passmore (Crossing)
Written by: Hal Haberman & Jeremy Passmore (screenplay)
Starring: Michael Rapaport (True Romance, Mighty Aphrodite), Paul Blackthorne (24, Lipstick Jungle), Josh Peck (Drillbit Taylor, Drake & Josh)
Genre: Drama/Comedy
MPAA Rating: R - for language, some violence and brief drug use
Runtime: 81 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 57% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 56/100
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
My Response: This film has actually been around since 2006, and even played at some film festivals two years ago, but it is just now getting its limited release. Michael Rapaport always does a superb job in every movie he's in, and he has more than perfected his skills as a character actor (but sadly he is usually only known as "Oh, look! It's that guy. I've seen him in something before"). Rapaport's lead role is the main reason I want to see this film, and I don't think he'll disappoint. Rent it.

Trailer



Official Website