When so many movies are released each week and trailers often seem better than the movie itself, what should one do? In this precarious situation, we consult the The CineMagic 8-Ball (TM) to help us see through the nebulous marketing haze. Doing so just might save us all a disheartening trip to the cinema and spare us the cost of ridiculous concession stand prices. See what the 8-Ball says about this week’s releases…
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DARK SKIES
As husband and wife Daniel and Lacey Barret witness an escalating series of disturbing events involving their family, their safe and peaceful home quickly unravels. When it becomes clear that the Barret family is being targeted by an unimaginably terrifying and deadly force, Daniel and Lacey take matters in their own hands to solve the mystery of what is after their family.
Like most of the dump month films, the Horror genre has a tough time succeeding when released in Jan-February. Russell and Goyo’s attachment is promising as is half of the production team behind Dark Skies, so we’re actually pulling for this one…even if we aren’t holding our breath in hopes of being blown away.
The CineMagic 8-Ball says: “Outlook Good”
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SNITCH
In this fast-paced action thriller inspired by true events, Dwayne Johnson stars as a father whose teenage son is wrongly accused of a drug distribution crime and is looking at a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years. Desperate and determined to rescue his son at all costs, he makes a deal with the U.S. attorney to work as an undercover informant and infiltrate a drug cartel on a dangerous mission — risking everything, including his family and his own life.
It’s a standard Dwayne Johnson film so you know more or less what to expect. The Rock’s son is in trouble. The Rock gets angry and you wouldn’t like him when he’s angry. Insert desired vehicles and let The Rock make BOOM…cook for 90 minutes and yeah, you get the idea.
The CineMagic 8-Ball says: “Signs Point to Meh”
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INESCAPABLE
Years after he left Damascus under suspicious circumstances, Adib Abdel Kareem must confront what he left behind when his daughter goes missing. Alexander Siddig is and always has been a capapble actor, Maria Tomei had a quality comeback run a few years ago and Josh Jackson, although he has been solid in Fringe, will always be remembered either as Dawson or a Mighty Duck. That last bit is important in determining the perceived quality of this film. Here’s hoping we’re wrong about this TIFF “Official Selection”.
The CineMagic 8-Ball says: “Outlook uncertain. Go with your gut”
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Also hitting theaters this weekend is Bless Me Ultima. What will you be seeing? If you’ve seen any of these already, please let us know what you thought below. Also, you have filled our your Oscar ballot yet or do you have any Oscar watching parties lined up yet? If not, and if you’re in the Dallas area, we will be co-hosting an Oscar screening along with BigFanBoy.com at the Angelika Film Center at Mockingbird Station.
We’ll be giving away prizes during and there will be plenty of free food provided by i Fratelli’s andJersey Mike’s Subs. Click this link for more info and we look forward to seeing all you film fans at showtime!!
