Hello for the second time this year, everybody! How about that month of January eh? Eh? Yeah...it wasn't that impressive. January's average was 7.5 at the time of writing this which is a surprisingly strong month and puts it 7% above the average score. So let's recap what came out shall we?
BUT BEFORE WE DO...be sure to go check out the Rath Awards for 2013. It's where I give out over 50 awards for Music, TV, Videogames, and of course, Movies.
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones: This wasn't nearly as bad/unnecessary as I thought it would be, but it was also nowhere near the highlight of the series. For me, it was the least scary of the bunch but it packed in a lot of mythology that the series has so desperately been needing to have explained. Not to mention that CRAZY twist ending! (Rath's Review Score: 7/10)
Lone Survivor: This is an update for a film that I had in my December Coming Soon post. Lone Survivor is a powerful film that will make you deeply appreciate what our men and women oversees go through. It's hard to watch, and even harder to accept the outcome but it's a story that needed to be told. That all being said, I highly recommend reading the book first. It's the superior version of this incredible story. (RRS: 8/10)
The Legend of Hercules: I skipped this one (and called it when I predicted it would be a dud last month) because it ended up being terrible. I'm sure it wasn't AS bad as the critics were hammering it, but still not worth your time or money nonetheless. If you want an epic Greek movie, just wait until the new 300.
Her: What a great film this was. Featuring some gorgeous cinematography and superb performances from Phoenix and Johansson, this is one of the best love stories to hit screens in a while...and it's about a man who falls in love with his computer's operating system. Despite a rushed ending and some overused awkwardness (mostly relating to sex), this film is an interesting look at the relationships we host in our life and why we do so. (RRS: 8.5/10)
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit: It starts off very strong to the point where I thought it was going to be special. But slowly over the course of its runtime it turns into an unexciting generic spy film. Not to mention there is next to no action. How do you have a spy movie with no action?! Having watched the balls-to-the-wall, near perfect Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol shortly after this, my mediocre score became even more solidified. (RRS: 6.5/10)
Ride Along: I was rooting for this one but it sounded like it turned out to not be all that great. A hilarious trailer led to quite a few audience disappointments and from the general consensus it sounds like the PG-13 script was the culprit. Oh well...at least we have 22 Jump Street to look forward to later this year!
I, Frankenstein: Ended up being worse than probably previously expected (and I'm two for two for predicting duds last month!) but again, probably not AS bad as critics were hammering it. Much like its trailers, it looked extremely forgettable and about as good as the actual title of the film.
That Awkward Moment: Since this came out on the last day of January, I don't have an update for you guys at this time. Assuming I still see the movie like I plan to, I will update this accordingly!
Most Disappointing: Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
Most Surprising: None
Worst Movie: The Legend of Hercules
Best Movie: Her
Now on to February! The month of love! Without a single romantic movie preview because they all looked terrible. Seriously, just go see Her on Valentines Day. I'd be willing to bet it's better than any of the other films that come out. And click the titles for their trailers!
Why It's Worth Seeing: February starts off with MY most anticipated movie of the month. Based on the strong, hilarious previews and excellent cast of voices, there is a very strong chance that this could turn out to be a classic much like Wreck-it Ralph was. As long as there are tons of Lego inside jokes and a strong comedic script, this one could be an immediate treasure.
What Could Go Wrong: Wreck-it Ralph succeeded on so many levels (as do many Disney movies) because they are kid AND adult friendly. They go deep emotionally and there are usually some adult-themed jokes throughout. From the trailers it doesn't seem like this would be an issue for The Lego Movie, but it could happen. And if it's all kiddie and doesn't have a more mature side it could be a huge bummer.
Why It's Worth Seeing: The cast of Clooney, Damon, Goodman, Murray, and Blanchett (among others) is pretty impressive for a February release. Not to mention it tells a story that most of us haven't likely heard before about a group of men trying to save artwork from Nazi destruction in World War II. It's also directed by Clooney who has proven to be rather talented behind the camera in past efforts.
What Could Go Wrong: I'm concerned as to why it was bumped from its December release all the way to February. It could have been because that month was super crowded or it could be hinting at a larger problem. I don't see too much going wrong with the film over its 118 minute runtime but it could just be forgettable.
Why It's Worth Seeing: Probably the most scrutinized film of 2014 so far and it hasn't even released. Ever since its announcement its had hardcore fans in a tizzy with moods ranging from excitement, anger, disgust, etc. I think if it pulls off the human element it so desperately tries to convey in the trailer than we might have something special as long as there is some great action to go with it.
What Could Go Wrong: It got slapped with a PG-13 rating recently and that seemed to be the final nail in the coffin for most fans. I tend to agree. Can you imagine the recent Dredd remake being PG-13? It just flat out wouldn't work. I have a feeling the same can/will be said about this when it releases.
Why It's Worth Seeing: Costner proved that he can play the spy game, most recently with his strong role in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. As long as the movie is smart, this could be the birth of a second Liam Neeson.
What Could Go Wrong: I know almost nothing about the film, no thanks to the trailer. It looks generic as can be and what is with the crappy movie titles this year people?!?
Why It's Worth Seeing: It could be epic and the story of Pompeii is a tragic one, much like Titanic. If this film can make us care about the characters as much as Titanic did, then, despite knowing the outcome, we could be really invested in it. Given that its only 102 minutes long, it could be a short, awesome trip to the theaters.
What Could Go Wrong: The trailers indicate that it doesn't look to take that road. Again, it looks like it wants to be a 300-wannabe. And is it just me or do the effects look fairly "meh"?
Why It's Worth Seeing: We started the month off with my most anticipated and we end it off with my second most anticipated. Something about THIS Liam Neeson action film has got me excited and I think it might end up being truly awesome. Granted Taken 2 was a disaster, but generally his films before it (such as Taken and the 5th best film of 2012, The Grey) have been unique and special. Something in my gut tells me that Non-Stop will be another Liam Neeson hit.
What Could Go Wrong: A lot of movies that are "trapped on a plane" so to speak, get really boring really quickly. If the plot and script aren't there for Neeson to work with, then this one could end up being a snoozer for all of its scenes other than the climax.
FEBRUARY OVERVIEW:
Must See (in order): The Lego Movie, Non-stop
On My Radar: The Monuments Men, Robocop, Pompeii
Predicted Dud: 3 Days to Kill
February looks to be bringing the heat a little more than January! Enjoy your time at the movies and I'll see you guys again in March for what could also be another strong month in theaters! Be sure to come on over and follow me through Blogger at RATH'S REVIEWS and like me on Facebook HERE! I follow-for-follow 100%. Thanks again!
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Three words: The Lego Movie. That is really the only movie this month that I expect to be that great. I could be surprised by the others, but the early reviews for The Monuments Men aren't so good, and none of the others look like a must see, unless Non-Stop turns out well.
ReplyDelete-James
I'll be there day one for The Lego Movie! It looks like a blast and a real trip to the past for those of us that love Legos!
DeleteJordan, we are living on different planets. First Her IMHO was a bigger piece of trash than the very similar The Master. I watch most movies that have any Sci Fi element to the end. Her like warm bodies are two of the worst IMHO of any year. So I agree to disagree, please do not think this means I disrespect your opinion. I agree with you on Lone Survivor. But the level of stupidity that gets people killed should make everyone evaluate WTF is going on with the supposedly professional military. Taken 2 was a great movie.
ReplyDeleteYep. We are certainly on different planets. I never saw The Master, although I heard it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. But Her was fantastic, at least for a single viewing. And a great date movie I might add. Also, I liked Warm Bodies. It definitely surprised me.
DeleteI think you certainly took away the wrong message from Lone Survivor. Political beliefs aside, each and every one of those SEALs knows what they sign up for and they don't want people to feel sorry for them. Luttrell has made this very obvious in interviews that he wants to honor his fallen brothers, but he doesn't blame the mission on any one political facet (except maybe the liberal media). It was, as he puts it, "a bad day at the office" and I'd be willing to bet that nearly every SEAL past, present, and future would agree with him.
As for Taken 2? To each their own I suppose. I thought it was atrocious and one of the stupider action movies Ive seen in the last five years. The original trumps it in every way, shape, and form.
Thanks for the comment! That's what is great about cinema is that everyone has their own opinions!
I also admire the professionalism of elite military units. However the bad day at the office spoiler alert, was predicted during the debate about what to do with the shepherds. All they had to do was keep them captive until they got radio contact. The other scary part is the lack of resources these guys had. No Apaches, no c130 gunship after they dig in.
DeleteThe Lego Movie and Non-Stop is all that really looks promising to me, and mostly The Lego Movie. The trailer was so hilarious, so hopefully the movie will be even better!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! I'm hoping that the movie can keep up the jokes to the quality that the trailer presents.
DeleteNon-stop will go either way, but I have a good gut feeling about it.