MovieMark-Weekend Movie Preview

Paranormal Activity


This low-budget buzz movie is hitting theaters all over the country.
So what does everyone wants to know?
Is it good? Is it scary?
Yes to both but you need to manage your expectations.
Its not the best movie overall but it's unique in its presentation and the directors stylistic approach to the scenes will scare the heck out of you.
The thriller was made by first time director Oren Peli in his home over 7 days in 2006 for $15,000.
He uses the Blair Witch concept of home video capturing a scary tale, and he manages to find new life in this idea.
There are some repetitive portions and some dull areas, but overall it will keep your attention and freak you out too.
It's one of those hyped movies that is worth checking out, but ultimately you will leave slightly let down and maybe a little scared to go to sleep.
The best part of this movie, and what created the buzz, are the moments when the night film footage is being forwarded and it stops when there is activity in the middle of the night.
It's awesome.
Paranormal is memorable and scary.
The ending is okay and it leaves you wanting more.

Bottom Line Movie Math

New Scares + The Girl in the movie - Some lulls = $$$ Do It!

Rated R- 99 Minutes




Law Abiding Citizen-

Gerard Butler and Jamie Fox star in a shocking thriller about a man out for revenge.
The beginning of this movie is brutal and disturbing to watch and it continues to shock and disturb throughout.
That was surprising to me as I was expecting the typical bad guy criminal against good guy lawyer plot.
Gerard Butler plays this role with the right intensity and even though it seems he's been in too many films lately, I enjoyed watching him again.
Jamie Fox plays it safe and really brings nothing new or exciting to a role like this.
A man's family is murdered and justice is not completely served.
This sets off a chain of events years later in the name of revenge.
What starts as an interesting and shocking story sadly comes crashing down with an unreal and unbelievable ending.
The reveal in the story does not work and that is the problem with the film, other than that it's a crazy tripped out thriller.

Bottom Line Movie Math-

Gerard Butler + exciting middle - weak ending = $$..It's OK

Rated R- 108 minutes


ALSO IN THEATERS-




Where the Wild Things Are

A fantasy film directed by Spike Jones and based on a children's book.
A young boy visits a land full of creatures known as the wild things.
He bonds with the strange beings and attempts to lead them to a better happy life.
It gets complicated and he learns much about life and the Wild Things.


Rated PG- 94 Minutes


NEW ON DVD





The Proposal

Many have succeeded but more have failed, so what does it take to make a successful romantic comedy?
You need actors with screen presence that can act and be funny.
Most importantly they must have chemistry together to make the film work.
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds get the job done in The Proposal.
Reynolds plays a small town guy that is trying to make it in the big city.
His boss, played by Bullock, runs him around like a servant until she needs a favor from him to keep her job.
To avoid being deported to Canada, she needs to marry an American citizen and her underling is asked to do the unthinkable.
The two end up visiting his parents in Alaska to announce their engagement.
They quickly get to know each other in a whole new way.
Their comedic chemistry works well and there are plenty of laughs..
I really like both these actors and having them in these roles makes this movie good.
FYI-There is a semi nude scene, which Bullock says is the first and last of her career…

Bottom Line Movie Math..

Good chemistry + Betty White - a silly premise = $$$ Do it…
The Proposal is a good romantic comedy..

Rated PG-13 -108 Minutes




Land of the Lost

Land of the Lost starring Will Ferrell is one of the worst movies I have ever seen.
If not for a few laughs at his back and forth with a Neanderthal character it might just be the worst.

$ Not Good….don't do it…

Rated PG-13- 101 Minutes



Drag Me To Hell

Drag me to hell is a new film from Spider-man director Sam Raimi.
He makes a return to his horror roots in a crazy over-the-top movie starring a girl that is cursed by and old woman.
Its funny and scary, not sure if that's a good thing.

$$ Its ok…only for horror fans..

Rated PG-13- 99 Minutes





My Take:

See Paranormal Activity for some scary fun, and rent The Proposal...those are your best options for the weekend.


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