Admit One 8/14
There’s five movies coming out in wide release this weekend so there’s should be something for everyone. Some fared better with the critics than others, however.
District 9
Starring: Sharlito Copley, Jason Cope, David James, Mandia Gaduka
Directed by: Neill Blomkamp
Plot: A race of aliens become stranded in South Africa and are confined to the slum like District 9.
Rottent Tomatoes Freshness: 93%
Critic Consensus: “Technically brilliant and emotionally wrenching, District 9 has action, imagination, and all the elements of a thoroughly entertaining science-fiction classic.”
The Time Traveler’s Wife
Starring: Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams
Directed by: Robert Schwentke
Plot: A man has a condition that causes him to involuntarily time travel and he visits his wife during different periods in her life.
RT Freshness: 45%
Critic Consensus: “Though it may satisfy fans of the novel, The Time Traveler’s Wife‘s plot contrivances and illogical narrative hamper its big screen effectiveness.”
The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
Starring: Jeremy Piven, Ving Rhames, James Brolin, David Koechner
Directed by: Neal Brennan
Plot: Don Ready and his crew of insane salesmen come to the aid of a failing used car business in Temecula, CA.
RT Freshness: 13%
Critic Consensus: “Despite the talent in front of and behind the camera, The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard largely misfires, proving a squandered opportunity for all involved.”
Ponyo
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Noah Cyrus, Matt Damon, Tina Fey
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Plot: A young goldfish named Ponyo wishes to become human and becomes friends with a boy Sosuke.
RT Freshness: 96%
Critic Consensus: “While not Miyazaki’s best film, Ponyo is a visually stunning fairy tale that’s a sweetly poetic treat for children of all ages.”
Bandslam
Starring: Gaelan Connell, Vanessa Hudgens, Alyson Michalka, Lisa Kudrow
Directed by: Todd Graff
Plot: A group of friends form a band to compete in the yearly Battle of the Bands contest.
RT Freshness: 77%
Critic Consensus: “Bandslam is an intelligent teen film that avoids teen film cliches, in an entertaining package of music and coming-of-age drama.”