This week at the movies: the Fast and Furious series returns and Helen Mirren stars in the true life story of a woman trying to get back what belongs to her family.
Furious 7
In Hollywood, everyone is an assassin, a hit man, a spy, or an ex-spy. The only people in the world are those who know three forms of martial arts, carry five guns, and have access to a small arsenal. In Furious 7, the seventh of the Fast and the Furious movies, all these people also know how to parachute their cars from the sky to the road, leap over tall buildings, and mysteriously know how to survive numerous explosions. Also, in the movies, your house can be blown up in the middle of a crowded L.A. neighborhood, and nobody really notices and there’s no full-scale police investigation. That’s what the trailer for Furious 7 seems to show, anyway. Starring all the usual suspects: Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson (The Rock), the late Paul Walker in his last movie, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, and newcomers Jason Statham, Djimon Hounsou and Kurt Russell. I have no idea what the plot is. Do you even care?
Perfect For: Fans of the first six movies; watching things get blown up.
What the Critics Say: In a total shocker, the critics actually like this movie. No blockbuster gets this many raves. Writes The New York Times: “Some of the digital stunts hit the sweet spot of wacky, oh-no-they-didn’t sublimity. Cars are driven out of airplanes. They soar between skyscrapers. They hurtle over cliffs.” And says Time Magazine: “It's an enormous, steroidal blast, and as much ingenious fun as a blockbuster can be.”
Our Take: Even the most cynical art house nerd has to admit this looks like fun.
Watch the Trailer:
Woman in Gold
Based on a true story of a Jewish woman who fled Vienna to escape the Nazis who embarks on a quest to have the priceless work of art, Gustav Klimt’s “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I” brought back to her family. The Nazis had stolen it and, later, unable to find the rightful heirs, the government of Austria acted as its keepers. Starring Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds as her plucky, young lawyer.
Perfect For: You like historical dramas and think that Dame Helen Mirren is the bee’s knees.
What the Critics Say: It’s a good story, but badly told. The acting is top notch, though. Says the Seattle Times: “After seeing the film's touching final title cards briefly describing the fates of the characters, I couldn't help wishing for a documentary version." And USA Today: "The film is saved by engaging performances from Mirren and Reynolds, who shine as their characters' relationship deepens.”
Our Take: The tale is intriguing enough; but might be better for a rental.
Watch the Trailer:
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