This week at the movies: Nicholas Sparks rides in with another sappy romance; Al Pacino returns to chew the scenery as an aging rock star; and Ryan Gosling tries his hand at directing.
The Longest Ride
Two words: Nicholas Sparks. Chick flick. OK, that was four words. Yet another movie from the man who foisted The Notebook on us (he’s responsible for the book this one is based on, as well as the screenplay). It also features two couples—one from the past and one current—whose relationship is challenged by adversity. (Or, in the central couple’s case, stupidity, as the main hunk wants to keep riding bulls despite almost getting killed.) The only thing you learn from these movies is that everyone looks amazing in golden, soft lighting.
Perfect For: Fans of Dear John and The Notebook. I can’t help the rest of you.
What the Critics Say: Begrudging admiration for the form, or else, scorn. Writes LA Weekly: “It's easy to tease a Nicholas Sparks movie. It's harder to admit that he's good at his niche - and has a string of 10 films, nearly all profitable, to prove it.”
Our Take: Only for the sappy-hearted.
Watch the Trailer:
Danny Collins
Al Pacino stars as an aging rocker living in excess in L.A., who discovers a long lost letter written to him by John Lennon, and received 40 years too late. He decides to “find himself” and his abandoned son in New Jersey, try to write new songs, and connect with his family. Starting Annette Benning, Bobby Cannavale and Jennifer Garner.
Perfect For: You like Al Pacino and you like feel good movies. (Who doesn’t?)
What the Critics Say: Better than it should be, given the formulaic qualities. Writes LA Weekly: “A redemption movie in the skeptical key of Jerry Maguire with dozens of small, perfect moments.” And says the Chicago Sun-Times: “Legendary as Al Pacino's skills are, he wouldn't be the first actor I'd cast to play a 70ish pop star who still fills mid-sized arenas some 40 years after he last charted a hit single. Yet Al Pacino sells the heck out of his performance as Danny Collins.”
Our Take: We’d see it.
Watch the Trailer:
Lost River
Ryan Gosling jumps behind the camera for his directorial debut, Lost River, a movie that has only a vague plot. (Something about a lost town buried by a river, curious townspeople who want to see if it really exists). The movie stars Christina Hendricks as a mother whose sons venture into the unknown. Judging from the imagery, Gosling has it bad for David Lynch and the magical realism genre.
Perfect For: Fans of fantastical flicks like Birdman and Beasts of the Southern Wild.
What the Critics Say: Some compelling and pretty imagery, but not enough there there. Writes Time: “It's an oneiric hymn to destruction, an Armageddon anthem - a movie to see, if at all, under the influence.” And says the Hollywood Reporter: “A visual and aural sensory bath that shows some real flair but feels madly derivative at every moment.”
Our Take: If anything, a rental.
Watch the Trailer:
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