In case you haven't noticed, it's hit or miss with movies these days. The trend continues this weekend: moviegoers will have several options to choose from, but
it remains to be seen just how viable these options actually are.
Can you resist Billy Crystal as a green, hairy, one-eyed monster? Didn't think so. Geared towards the kids (and grownups) who fell in love with Toy Story, The Monsters is an animated comedy that tells the story of two monsters, Sully (John Goodman) and Mike (Crystal). The pair works for Monsters, Inc., an energy company that harvests energy from the goosebumps of children. When Sully accidentally lets one of the little girls in the plant into the monster world, panic ensues... because monsters, of course, are afraid of children. While it may not be the most intellectually stimulating film, it will certainly tickle your funny bone and take your mind off all of the work awaiting you at home.
For martial arts and special effects fanatics, James Wong's The One may prove to be more of a marvel than a cinematic disaster. Starring martial arts wonder Jet Li, the film tells the story of the catastrophe that ensues when two parallel universes collide. Gabe (Li) is forced to conquer his evil alter-ego in order to keep him from taking over the world. The plot is less than original, but box office totals have proven that a great film doesn't necessarily require a great story. This action-adventure-thriller has the potential to stealthily worm its way to the top.
The movie to be wary of is Tape, Richard Linklater's latest endeavor starring Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman. Coincidence? We think not. The movie is about three high school friends in a Michigan motel room relating and reliving their painful high school memories. Vince (Hawke) is waiting to confront his old friend John (Robert Sean Leonard) about the rape he allegedly committed against his ex-girlfriend Amy (Thurman). Both men are, of course, still infatuated with Amy, who shows up later in the film to prove just how much more in control of her life she is than her former lovers.
The film's overall effect is to transform the well-meaning audience into a group of intrusive voyeurs. Some will enjoy the thrill of this sneak peak at the sordid lives of these three characters, others will merely feel uncomfortable. The decision to see Tape is definitely a judgement call.
