Cinemark Classic Series for August- October 2013

As the seasons continue to change, the Cinemark Classic Series changes as well. For the Fall 2013 films, Cinemark has mixed things up quite a bit, ranging throughout the genres with action movies, dramas and comedies, not to mention Best Picture nominees, and cult classics- with release years range anywhere from 1958 to 1999. This time around there is a little something for everyone, guaranteed.

As always, you can get more information through the Cinemark website, including ticket prices and showtimes. As usual, each film will be shown once on Sundays at 2:00 P.M., and then twice on the following Wednesday at both 2:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. Ticket prices may vary (usually around $10 per movie), but tickets for all six films can be purchased at a reduced, bundled price. (Usually around $30.) Here is the rundown of films being shown:

On Sunday, August 25th, and Wednesday, August 28th:

• “Pulp Fiction” (1994): Quentin Tarantino surprised the world with this Best Picture nominated film starring John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis. Tarantino won his first Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for his wickedly entertaining combination of humor and violence that not only grabbed attention upon its initial release, but also has become one of the most enduring films of the 1990’s. It also happens to be one of those films that forever changed the way we looked at movies. It is a must see for all cinematic lovers, and there is no better way to see this film than on the big screen. 

On Sunday, September 1st, and Wednesday, September 4th:

• “The French Connection” (1971): Another dark, gritty film is the crime drama from director William Friedkin. With perfect cinematography, a great screenplay and the best performance of Gene Hackman’s career, “The French Connection” was another game-changer as it swept the movie watching world off their feet, pushing the boundaries of what had been seen in the past. It also happens to be the first “R” rated film to ever receive the Academy Award for Best Picture. 

On Sunday, September 8th, and Wednesday, September 11th:

• “Some Like It Hot” (1959): Billy Wilder is a comic genius, and this is his masterpiece of humor and delight. Jack Lemmon is incredibly funny, Tony Curtis is at the top of his game, and Marilyn Monroe is as entertaining as ever in this story about two Chicago musicians who are on the run from a mob boss. How will they get out of town unnoticed? Dress up as women and join an all girls band of course! The laughs never stop in what is widely voted one of the funniest films ever made, and a perfect way to spend any day.

On Sunday September 15th, and Wednesday September 18th:

• “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962): Gregory Peck gives a tour-de-force performance in this incredibly brilliant film based on Harper Lee’s best-selling novel. If you are looking for an example of perfect filmmaking, you need look no further, as each and every aspect of this picture is done to the highest standard. “To Kill a Mockingbird” has proven to the world that with a great story, a brilliantly adapted screenplay, and of course, one of the greatest actors of all time, there is nothing that can’t be accomplished. 

On Sunday, September 22nd, and Wednesday, September 25th:

• “Fight Club” (1999): You can argue with me day and night if you’d like to, but I said it back on October 15th, 1999, and I still say it today, “Fight Club” is one of the greatest motion pictures ever filmed. Filmmaker extraordinaire David Fincher created one of the most interesting, captivating and completely unorthodox films, that despite the neigh-sayers has hung around long enough to become an incredibly popular cult classic. Edward Norton, Brad Pitt and Helena Bonham Carter are all magnificent, but it is David Fincher’s direction and Jim Uhls’s screenplay that steal the show. 

On Sunday, September 29th, and Wednesday, October 2nd:

• “Vertigo” (1958): The piece de resistance of this group comes in the form of Alfred Hitchcock’s immortal classic, “Vertigo”. It received many negative reviews upon its initial release, yet somehow in the last 50-some odd years it has moved up the ranks of great films, most recently being voted Sight & Sound magazine’s, “greatest film of all time” in 2012. The always perfect James Stewart stars with Kim Novak in a psychological thriller that is as patient and intriguing as any of Hitchcock’s film, and promises to leave the audience thinking and contemplating long after the lights have come up. Originally filmed in 70mm, “Vertigo” is a film that is begging and pleading to be seen on the largest screen possible, making this an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.

Escape to the Theaters This Week! July 17th-21st, 2013

This is a real busy week at the theaters, as we have films opening on Wednesday, the 17th, and Friday, the 19th. There are also more titles from which to choose, so it will be interesting to see who will win the box office weekend. In addition to these new selections, there should also be some hold over from “Pacific Rim” (2013), “Grown Ups 2” (2013), and of course, the still surging, “Despicable Me 2” (2013). So, which film(s) will you be watching?

Movies Opening in Theaters July 17th, 2013

• “Turbo” (2013) Rated PG, 96 minutes: DreamWorks Animation presents this 3D event that features… the world’s fastest snail! That’s right everyone, Turbo (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) dreams of moving faster, and after an accident involving an engine full of nitrous oxide, that is exactly what happens. Now his ambitions of racing in the Indianapolis 500 are finally going to come true. Directed by David Soren, “Turbo” also stars the voice talents of Paul Giamatti, Maya Rudolph, Snoop Dogg, Michael Pena, Michelle Rodriguez and Samuel L. Jackson.

Movie Opening in Theaters July 19th, 2013

• “R.I.P.D.” (2013) Rated PG-13: Rest In Peace Department. This afterlife, law enforcement group recruits the greatest lawmen of all time for the special mission of hunting down the dead souls that refuse to leave Earth. Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges are the new-partners who must overcome their differences and find a way to save the world, before it’s too late. Basically we have a combination of “Men in Black” (1997) and every other buddy cop film ever made.“R.I.P.D.” also stars Mary-Louise Parker and Kevin Bacon, and is directed by Robert Schwentke (“Flightplan” & “Red”).

• “Red 2” (2013) Rated PG-13, 116 minutes: This is the sequel to 2010’s comedic action film, “Red,” about a former CIA operative (Bruce Willis) trying to find a way of life that doesn’t involve violence or killing. Once again, he gets himself and his girlfriend (Mary Louis-Parker) mixed up with some established former colleges (John Malkovich & Helen Mirren), as well as some new characters (Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones & Lee Byung-hun), for a barrage of mischief and mayhem.

• “The Conjuring” (2013) Rated R, 112 minutes: In this horror film, Vera Farminga and Patrick Wilson star as real life supernatural investigators, Lorraine and Patrick Warren, who have their work cut out for them with the Perron family (Lili Taylor & Ron Livingston), whose farmhouse is being haunted by a demonic presence. Early reviews for this film have been quite good, citing that it is similar to the horror films of the 1970’s, with the focus being put on the characters and not on visual effects.

Also being released on July 19th, 2013 in a limited capacity:

• “Only God Forgives” (2013) Rated R, 90 minutes: From writer/director Nicolas Winding Refn (“Drive”) comes this action film about death and revenge. Ryan Gosling stars as a drug-smuggler, who is asked by his mother (Kristin Scott Thomas) to find and kill the man responsible for his brother’s recent death. Expectations for “Only God Forgives” have been very high, but the early European reviews seem to be less than favorable, mostly stemming from the endless violence. 

• “Girl Most Likely” (2013) Rated PG-13, 103 minutes: A down-on-her-luck playwright (Kristen Wiig) half-heartedly attempts suicide to attract attention from her former boyfriend. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work out well for her, and she ends up in the care of her estranged mother (Annette Benning). Also starring in this comedy are Matt Dillon and Christopher Fitzgerald.

• “Blackfish” (2013) Rated PG-13, 83 minutes: This is a documentary film that focuses on the dangers of keeping the orca, Tilikum, in captivity. This film premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, and thus far has earned mostly positive reviews.

Escape to the Theaters this Weekend!- July 12th

Movies Opening in Theaters July 12th, 2013

 

Coming off a highly successful holiday weekend for “Despicable Me 2” (2013), and an enormously disappointing weekend for Disney’s “The Lone Ranger” (2013), this upcoming weekend is going to give  us a couple of new choices that have the potential to be quite entertaining… or perhaps not. In recent weeks, it seems that the children’s movies have been performing better than expected, with the action films creating distaste and arguments among movie goers. Can this week’s choices offer something refreshing and exciting? I guess we’ll find out soon enough.

•  “Pacific Rim” (2013) Rated PG-13, 131 minutes: Oversized, monster-style alien creatures known as Kaiju have come from deep within the Pacific Ocean, and are attacking cities around the world. In order to fight back, we have created monsters of our own- enormous robots called Jaegers.

Each Jaeger his two pilots whose minds are connected to enhance their fighting abilities. The more in-sync the pilots, the more effective the fighting becomes. This Guillermo del Toro film promises to be as large a film as we will see this summer, and fans of his previous films (such as myself) can’t wait to see what he has in store for us. This action-spectacular stars Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, and of course, Ron Perlman. In addition to being able to see this film in 3D, “Pacific Rim” will also be showing on IMAX screens.

• “Grown Ups 2” (2013) Rated PG-13, 101 minutes: After the enormous success of the 2010 film “Grown Ups,” it was only a matter of time before a sequel brought the guys (and girls) back for more fun. Bringing together an all-star cast that includes Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Salma Hayek, Maria Bello and Maya Rudolph, this film has everyone moving back to their childhood hometown, in an attempt to live a more “family friendly” lifestyle. Can this sequel be as funny as the original? Historically, comedy sequels haven’t been as well received as their predecessors, but who’s to say what could happen with so many extremely funny actors together. “Grown Ups 2” also has a somewhat surprising distinction, as it is the first Adam Sandler headlined movie to ever receive a sequel.
  

Escape to the Theaters This Week!

Movies Opening in Theaters July 3rd and July 5th, 2013

 

For the extended July 4th holiday weekend, we have a couple of films being released on Wednesday, as well as some limited releases coming out on Friday. Judging from how many profitable movies have come out in the last three weeks, this holiday weekend is sure to be hugely successful. Considering how much money Disney has been spent on “The Lone Ranger,” they certainly are hoping audiences will pack themselves into the nice air-conditioned theater. Are audiences ready to embrace a film in the western genre once again? Only time will tell.

Opening Wednesday, July 3rd, 2013:

• “The Lone Ranger” (2013) Rated PG-13, 149 minutes: From director Gore Verbinski (the first three “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, “Rango”), comes this retelling of the classic story where an Indian warrior (Johnny Depp) joins with a former Texas Ranger (Armie Hamer) to extract justice in the old west. No expense has been spared in making this film as exciting and entertaining as possible, and with Johnny Depp, it’s hard to go wrong. “The Lone Ranger” also stars Helena Bonham Carter, Tom Wilkinson, Barry Pepper and William Fichtner.

• “Despicable Me 2” (2013) Rated PG, 98 minutes: For this animated sequel to the 2010 hit film “Despicable Me”, former super villain Gru is back and ready to help fight hand in hand with the anti-villain league. Of course, he also has to deal with his eldest daughter as she begins to grow up, against his wishes. “Despicable Me 2” features the voice talents of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Russell Brand, Ken Jeong, Steve Coogan, Benjamin Bratt and Miranda Cosgrove, and was directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud.

Opening in limited release on Friday, July 5th, 2013:

• “The Way, Way Back” (2013) Rated PG-13, 103 minutes: This coming of age film is directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, and tells the story of a fourteen-year-old boy (Liam James) who spends an unforgettable summer at a beach house with his mother (Toni Collette) and her new, and unpleasant, boyfriend (Steve Carrell). Although things start off badly, he gets an unexpected lift when he befriends a worker of the local water park (Sam Rockwell), and begins working there as well.

Escape to the Theaters This Weekend!

Movies Opening in Theaters June 28th, 2013

 

It seems that no matter what you’re looking to see this weekend, it is out there. Comedy, action, vampires, and even Jason Statham doing something that looks amazingly similar to acting! Throw into the mix hold over movies, with zombies for the adults (“World War Z”), monsters for the kids (“Monsters University”) and comic book action for the teens (Superman’s “Man of Steel”), and this is sure to be another record breaking weekend. If you’re thinking about catching any of these films, don’t wait too long because next Wednesday, July 3rd, we’re getting some more big releases in the likes of “The Lone Ranger” (2013) and “Despicable Me 2” (2013).

• “White House Down” (2013) Rated PG-13, 131 minutes: As soon as the first preview for “White House Down” was released, with the words from the director of “Independance Day”, “The Day After Tomorrow” and “2012” (Roland Emmerich), everyone instantly knew that this film would be an action-packed extravaganza. If nothing else, it promises to be full of explosions and adventure. The story follows a Police officer (Channing Tatum), who after being rejected by the Secret Service, ends up trapped in the White House when it is taken over by a terrorist group (headed by Jason Clarke). While searching for his daughter (Joey King), he recovers the President (Jamie Foxx), and together they attempt to take back the White House. This film also stars Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Woods and Richard Jenkins.

• “The Heat” (2013) Rated R, 117 minutes: An uptight, disliked FBI agent (Sandra Bullock) teams with a loud-mouth Boston Police Detective (Melissa McCarthy) to stop a mobster. This action/comedy film from director Paul Feig (“Bridesmaids”) promises to be an entertaining romp, despite the somewhat familiar plot. The R rating also promises to keep that adult sense of humor that made “Bridesmaids” so funny. “The Heat” also stars Michael Rapaport, Marlon Wayans and Demian Bichir.

And with a limited release this weekend:

• “I’m So Excited” (2013) Rated R, 90 minutes: Director Pedro Almodovar (“Volver”, “All About My Mother”, “Talk to Her”) has managed to make some very thought-provoking and memorable films in his career, but his latest film, “I’m So Excited,” appears to go into uncharted territories in his acclaimed career. In this comedy, a flight heading to Mexico City experience some technical failure, and while trying to find a way to land, the passengers, pilots and crew attempt to forget the problem at hand.

• “Redemption” (2013) Rated R, 100 minutes: Also known as “Hummingbird” or “Crazy Joe” in other countries, “Redemption” stars Jason Statham as an ex-Royal Marine, who is now a homeless man living on the streets of London. When the opportunity arises for him to assume the identity of another man, he grabs on, catapulting him into the darker side of London’s criminal underworld. When his girlfriend ends up dead, he risks everything in order to achieve redemption for his life.

• “Byzantium” (2013) Rated R, 118 minutes: From director Neil Jordan (“The Crying Game”, “Interview with the Vampire”) comes this story of a mother-daughter team of vampires (Gemma Arterton and Saoirse Ronan), and their struggle to maintain their dark secret after the forever sixteen-year-old becomes infatuated with a young man.

Anything here worth seeing?

Escape to the Theaters This Weekend!

Movies Opening in Theaters June 21st, 2013

 

Monsters vs. Zombies. No, that’s not the name of some new movie (although perhaps it should be), that is what the box office will be fighting out this weekend. What will be interesting to see is how audiences are divided between the latest Pixar film, “Monsters University” (2013), Brad Pitt’s zombie apocalypse film, “World War Z” (2013), and the hold over from last week’s mega success with Superman’s “Man of Steel” (2013). I am assuming we are going to see some astronomical numbers for this week’s box office totals, and I am excited about spending another weekend at the cinema. So, what are you going to watch?

Opening Friday, June 21st, 2013:

• “Monsters University” (2013) Rated-G, 110 minutes: If ever there was a movie that needed no introduction, it would probably be this highly anticipated sequel (or prequel) to Disney Pixar’s “Monsters Inc.” (2001). For this film, we are transported back to when Mike and Sully meet as roommates at college. Of course word of mouth is good on this film; it’s a Pixar movie. The only real question is whether or not the same people who loved “Monsters Inc.” over a decade ago will still show up for another installment. My guess is they will. “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon, and stars the voice talents of Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Dave Foley, Alfred Molina, Bonnie Hunt, John Krasinski, Bill Hader, and of course, John Ratzenberger.

• “World War Z” (2013) Rated PG-13, 116 minutes: Zombies, zombies and even more zombies. That is what you will get in this apocalyptic film about a retired United Nations worker (Brad Pitt) who is forced to scour the earth for a way to stop an immense zombie attack. Much has been made of this film since the novel by Max Brooks was released in 2006. Brad Pitt not only serves as the film’s star, but also as the headlining producer. With a budget estimated anywhere from 125 million to 200 million, let’s hope lots of viewers are still as obsessed with zombies as they were a couple of years ago. “World War Z” is directed by Marc Forster, who has proven himself as an accomplished director with films such as “Monster’s Ball” (2001), “Finding Neverland” (2004), “The Kite Runner” (2007) and James Bond’s “Quantum of Solace” (2008). Here’s hoping his successful career continues with this action spectacular.

Escape to the Theaters This Week!

Movies Opening in Theaters June 12th and June 14th, 2013

In what promises to be a huge week at the local theaters, one movie, “This is the End” (2013), has opted to be released on Wednesday, to give itself a two day head start against Superman’s “Man of Steel” (2013). The real question is, does it really matter? Only time will tell, as everyone seems to be excited by both of these releases. What film are you going to see this week?

Opening Wednesday, June 12th, 2013:

• “This is the End” (2013), Rated-R, 107 minutes: Directed by Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogan, this comedic film stars a group of Hollywood actors playing exaggerated versions of themselves, who attend a party at James Franco’s home on the same night as the apocalypse. The all-star cast includes Seth Rogan, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride and Craig Robinson, along with several cameo appearances. Early indications point to this film being hilarious, although the strong R rating will keep younger audiences away.

Opening Friday, June 14th, 2013:

• “Man of Steel” (2013), Rated-PG-13, 143 minutes: Are we ready for Superman to return? Once the most popular comic hero on the silver screen, Superman has fallen by the wayside in recent memory, but thanks to Warner Brothers and Christopher Nolan, things are about to change. This time around, Henry Cavill will wear the red cape and the film will go back to the beginning and restart the story, once again. Directed by Zack Snyder and written by David S. Goyer, this Superman film promises to go beyond the previous installments in the series, and looks to reset the course not only for Superman but for all the DC Comic’s heroes. “Man of Steel” also stars Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Michael Shannon as General Zod, Laurence Fishburne, Kevin Costner, Russell Crowe and Diane Lane. 

• “The Bling Ring” (2013), Rated-R, 90 minutes: From acclaimed filmmaker Sofia Coppola (“Lost in Translation”), comes this incredible and true story about a group of teenagers who begin breaking into celebrities’ homes as a result of their obsession with famous personalities and their lifestyles. This film has earned favorable reviews thus far, and stars Emma Watson, Leslie Mann, Taissa Farmiga,Claire Julien and Gavin Rossdale. “The Bling Ring” will be opening in a limited release, expanding wider soon.

Escape to the Theaters This Weekend!

Movies Opening in Theaters June 4th, 2013

We have a somewhat slower box office weekend as we prepare for the next Superman installment, “Man of Steel” (2013), due out June 14th. With high expectations for both Superman and the comedic “This is the End” (2013), studios have shied away from this weekend to avoid too much competition next week. It should be interesting to see how things end up, especially considering last weekend’s underperforming “After Earth” (2013) and somewhat surprising “Now You See Me” (2013). Only time will tell.

• “The Internship” Rated-PG-13, 119 minutes, (2013): From the creators of “The Wedding Crashers” (2005) comes this comedy film about two salesmen (Vince Vaughn & Owen Wilson), who after becoming outdated by the digital age, opt to take an internship with Google, in order to acquire a new job. Competing against a younger and more technologically based generation, they must overcome their own shortcomings and prove that their potential makes them worth taking a risk.

• “The Purge” Rated-R, 85 minutes, (2013): This film is set in the year 2022, in an America that has drastically changed from our world today. There is virtually no crime or unemployment, as everyone seems to co-exist wonderfully. How does everything run so smoothly? Because one day a year, for 12 hours, all crime is legal, and there are no emergency services available. The plot centers on one well-to-do family (the Sandins) that routinely barricade themselves in their home, ensuring that they stay safe. As the “purge” commences, one man is running for his life in the streets outside their home, and the son opens the steel doors to let him in. The next 12 hours finds the Sandins’ attempting to keep a group of people looking for the stranger at bay, until the purge is over. “The Purge” stars Ethan Hawke, Lena Headey, Adelaide Kane and Maz Burkholder, and is directed by James DeMonaco.

And in limited releases this week, we have:

• “Much Ado About Nothing” Rated-PG-13, 107 minutes, (2013): After Joss Whedon’s successful turn behind the camera in last years “The Avengers” (2012), he is taking a step back- a big step back. Based on William Shakespeare’s play, this modern day turn on his classic romantic comedy is filmed in black and white on a minimal budget. In fact, the entire shoot took place over just 12 days, in Whedon’s home.

• “Passion” Rated-R, 100 minutes,  (2012): This erotic thriller film from director Brian De Palma centers on an ad-executive (Rachel McAdams) and her interactions with her assistant (Noomi Rapace). It’s hard to know what to think about this film, but as De Palma’s films always seem to be more appreciated years later, I am sure we will all enjoy this one in about five to ten years.

• “Violet & Daisy” Rated-R, 88 minutes, (2013): Two young killer-for-hires (Saoirse Ronan & Alexis Bledel) get mixed up  in a job that is sure to be more than it appears. This film also stars James Gandolfini, Danny Trejo and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and is directed by Geoffrey S. Fletcher.

So what’s your verdict? Anything here worth seeing, or are you waiting around for next weekend?

Escape to the Theaters This Weekend!

Movies Opening in Theaters May 31st, 2013

There are a couple of new releases this weekend that aren’t expected to be as huge as the past few weeks, but really how could they be? Neither of these larger films are sequels, which should keep their attendance down, but with some good word of mouth, who knows what could happen. There should be plenty of hold-over business from “Fast and Furious 6”, “The Hangover Part III”, “Star Trek Into Darkness”, “Iron Man 3” and what is really the only major children’s film so far this year, “Epic”, so it should be interesting to see how this weekend goes.

• “After Earth” (2013) Rated PG-13, 100 minutes: Continuing what I have dubbed “The summer of sci-fi,” this futuristic adventure film takes place 1000 years after the human race has abandoned Earth. A General and his son (played by real life father and son Will and Jadan Smith) are traveling on a mission to Earth together when their ship crashes, killing everyone except for the two of them. Now stranded on a planet that has independently evolved without humans, these two men have become the prey, and must find their own way to return home.

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan (“The Sixth Sense” & “Signs”), and based on a story by Will Smith, this film hopes to be able  to compete with the other science fiction films being released this summer. Shyamalan has had a stretch of unsuccessful films, with each one seeming to be received worse than the last, ever since 2002. With a budget of $130 million and a story that doesn’t seem all that original (especially after last month’s “Oblivion”), “After Earth” has an uphill battle to climb. However, it’s important not to underestimate Will Smith’s box office clout.

• “Now You See Me” (2013) Rated-PG-13, 116 minutes: This film is about a team of illusionists who, during their performances, also manage to pull off miraculous heists. Now the FBI and an INTERPOL detective are hot on their trail. Louis Leterrier (“The Incredible Hulk” & “Clash of the Titans”) directs an all-star cast, including Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Ilsa Fisher, Mark Ruffalo, Dave Franco, Melanie Laurent, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine.

It’s hard to tell how audiences are going to respond to this film, as movies about illusionists don’t always fare well, but with some good word of mouth, “Now You See Me” could end up hanging around for a while. This film will be opening at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, for those wanting to get an early jump on the weekend.

• “The East” (2013) Rated PG-13, 116 minutes: Opening in a limited release is this thriller film from director Zal Batmanglij. The plot involves a former FBI agent (Brit Marling) who goes undercover and infultrates a radical terrorist group called The East. Once there, she falls in love with another member (Alexander Skarsgard), and begins to question whether or not the group might have some method to their madness. The film also stars Ellen Page, Julia Ormond and Patricia Clarkson, and received mostly positive reviews at the Sundance Film Festival where it premiered.

• ” The Kings of Summer” (2013) Rated R, 93 minutes: Another limited release this week is a coming of age movie that is centered on three adolescent boys who run away from home and build a make-shift dwelling in the nearby woods.  This film stars Nick Robinson, Gabriel Bassoo and Moises Arias as the three boys, and also stars Megan Mullally, Marc Evan Jackson and Nick Offerman as the parents searching for them.

“The Kings of New York” also had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, and has earned positive reviews, particularly for the script’s humor. It is the feature film debut for director Jordan Vogt-Roberts, and looks to be one worth checking out.

Well, those are the major releases for this weekend. Are any of these films appealing enough to lure you to the theater this weekend?

Escape to the Theaters This Weekend

Movies opening in theaters this weekend

Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and that means it’s time to go to the movies! As it is certain to be a hugely successful (or at least hugely profitable) weekend at the box office, studios have brought out their big guns in an attempt to drawn in the crowds. The question is, “What will you be going to see?”

Opening Thursday, May 23rd, 2013:

• “The Hangover Part III” (2013): And who says lightning never strikes the same place twice… or three times? Looking to re-create the success from the first chapter in this comedy series, writer, producer, director Todd Phillips has found another way to get Phil, Stu, Alan and Doug back out into the desert. This time it’s not a bachelor party, but rather an intervention that brings our friends together, but just like in the first two installments, their lives will never be the same again. Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifiankis and Justin Bartha all return to the series, as does Ken Jeong, Heather Graham and Mike Epps. And just to make sure there are enough greatly talented comedians in this film, John Goodman has also joined the cast. Can this film be as epic as the filmmakers are hoping?

Opening Friday, May 24th, 2013:

• “Fast & Furious 6” (2013): Where “The Hangover Part III” has been up front and honest about this being the final film in the series, “The Fast and the Furious” (even as the sixth film is opening) might just be getting warmed up. It seems each time they make another film in this series, the plots get less important, the list of actors gets longer, they make more money, and well,… they just keep becoming more fun to watch. This time around, Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his team of thrill seeking drivers has been offered full pardons for their years of criminal activity, if they are willing to join Agent Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) in his attempt to stop some kind of vehicular terrorist. Oh yeah, and Dominic’s dead girlfriend, Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), is back as well. The film also stars Paul Walker, Luke Evans, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson and Ludacris. There may even be an appearance by Jason Statham, who is said to be the mastermind villain, although he won’t figure into the plot until “Fast and the Furious 7.” Look for “Fast and Furious 6” to be the big moneymaker this weekend.
• “Epic” (2013): From the director of “Ice Age” (2002) and “Robots” (2005), comes this 3D animated film based on the children’s book by William Joyce. The story centers on a young girl who is magically shrunk in the yard and meets a group of warriors known as the Leafmen. Before she can return to her normal size she must assist these little warriors in a battle of good and evil against the Boggans. This is the first big children’s release of the summer, so I’m expecting it to do pretty well, especially considering the added draw of this being filmed in 3D. “Epic” features the voice talents of Beyonce Knowles, Colin Farrell, Christoph Waltz, Amanda Seyfried, Josh Hutcherson, Pitbull, Aziz Ansari and Steven Tyler.
• “Before Midnight” (2013): Back in 1995 (“Before Sunrise”), when Jesse and Celine spent the night walking around Vienna, I never would have thought we could still be so interested in their lives today. In 2004 (“Before Sunset”), when we reunited with them in Paris, their chemistry and relationship was just as enthralling as it had been nine years earlier. Now, another nine years later, thanks to the films stars and director Richard Linklater, we once again get to check in on this magnificent couple and their ever changing lives. This series of films has proven to be one of the most interesting to watch because of the time between each film. It really feels as if Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are a couple, and I only hope we can look forward to a fourth installment in this series in 2022. This movie will be opening in a limited release, so keep an eye out for when it hits your theater.