Happy Friday! The weekend is here, which means that a lot of us are going to the movies. Read on to take a look at what’s new in theaters this weekend.
“The BFG” – The world is more giant than you can imagine.
Synopsis: “‘The BFG’ tells the imaginative story of a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country. The BFG (Mark Rylance), while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part[…]. The BFG brings Sophie to Dream Country where he collects dreams and sends them to children, teaching her all about the magic and mystery of dreams” (Disney).
“The BFG” is an adaptation of a Roald Dahl novel. You’re probably thinking – Who the heck is this “Roald” fellow and why does his name sound oddly familiar? – I’m so glad you asked. Dahl was a twentieth century author of children’s books, two of his most popular being “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “James and the Giant Peach”. That’s right; if you loved to read as a kid, or even loved the film adaptations of Dahl’s books, you’re probably giddy with excitement. If you’re willing to take a trip down memory lane this weekend, and revisit the imaginative brain of the late Mr. Dahl, “The BFG” may be exactly what you’re looking for. The film currently has a fresh approval rating of 73% on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 66/100 metascore. Hope Madden writes for Screen Relish that although the film occasionally suffers from a lack of momentum, “‘The BFG’ is a sweet film, finely acted and gorgeously brought to life.”
“The Purge: Election Year“ – Purge for the people.
Synopsis: “It’s been two years since Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo) stopped himself from a regrettable act of revenge on Purge Night. Now serving as head of security for Senator Charlie Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell), his mission is to protect her in a run for president and survive the annual ritual that targets the poor and innocent. But when a betrayal forces them onto the streets of D.C. on the one night when no help is available, they must stay alive until dawn…or both be sacrificed for their sins against the state” (Official Site).
It truly is the summer of sequels. Back when the first “Purge” film came out, I don’t think any of us imagined the movie becoming an entire trilogy. One thing’s for sure though: the producers timed the “Election Year” film perfectly (the US election situation is already chilling enough). What’s interesting about “The Purge” series is the progression of ratings – the first film did horribly with critics and the second was relatively better. We’re wondering, will the upward trend continue with “Election Year”? Not exactly. While the new film’s ratings aren’t higher than its predecessors, they aren’t lower. Thus, the franchise is stagnant at a 54% approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes and a metascore of 55/100. While these ratings are better than the original film’s measly scores, they aren’t good – a 55% on Rotten Tomatoes is still a “Rotten”. Chris Agar of Screen Rant pinpoints the script as “Election Year’s” weakest point, but does concede that the movie “is an OK sequel for die-hard fans of the series”.
“The Legend of Tarzan” – Human. Nature.
Synopsis: “It has been years since the man once known as Tarzan (Skarsgard) left the jungles of Africa behind for gentrified life as John Clayton III, Lord Greystoke, with his beloved wife, Jane (Robbie) at his side. Now, he has been invited back to the Congo to serve as a trade emissary of Parliament, unaware that he is a pawn in a deadly convergence of greed and revenge, masterminded by the Belgian, Captain Leon Rom (Waltz). But those behind the murderous plot have no idea what they are about to unleash” (Official Site).
Between 1918 and 2014, there have been over 200 films with “Tarzan” in the title. Yeah. Several people cringed at the news of a millionth film adaptation of everyone’s favorite jungle man, but Warner Bros. insisted on doing it anyways. If you’re hoping for the movie to pull a miracle, like Jon Favreau’s “Jungle Book” did, I urge you to stop reading now and go see the film. But, if you’re a realist, there’s bad news for you: “The Legend of Tarzan” has received a 34% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 43/100 metascore. Joe Morgenstern of “The Wall Street Journal” writes, “‘The Legend of Tarzan,’ for all its anticolonialist posturing and eminently attractive co-stars, has a dead soul.”
“Our Kind of Traitor” – Who can you trust with the truth?
Limited Release.
Synopsis: “While on holiday in Marrakech, an ordinary English couple, Perry and Gail befriend a flamboyant and charismatic Russian, Dima, who unbeknownst to them is a kingpin money launderer for the Russian mafia. When Dima asks for their help to deliver classified information to the British Secret Services, Perry and Gail get caught in a dangerous world of international espionage and dirty politics” (Official Site).
Usually when you think of the spy movie genre, it involves James Bond, and lots of action. The buzz is that “Our Kind of Traitor” goes for the same kind of thrill, but without the whiplash inducing acting. Creating tension through dialogue can be difficult, but it seems that “Our Kind of Traitor” is up to the challenge. Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a 67% approval rating, while Metacritic awards a 57/100. Unfortunately, the film hasn’t been popular with audiences. It’s certain that “Our Kind of Traitor” will be most enjoyed by indie film fans.
Based on this weekend’s releases, I’d say it’s “BFG” or bust! If you want to know more of your movie-going options for this weekend, be sure to check out Def Pen’s Weekend Movie Preview for last weekend.
Have a great weekend, thanks for reading, and be sure to let us know which movies you’ll be seeing this weekend!
*This article covers major movie releases and may not cover limited releases or releases on VOD.
