Three new movies open in the Quad Cities and around the country this weekend. How will you decide which movie to see? This handy guide to the weekend’s new movies is a good start.
“The Grey”
Starring Liam Neeson
Directed by Joe Carnahan
Story: Liam Neeson is the leader of a group of oil rig workers who attempt to survive the elements after their plane crashes in the wilds of Alaska. The greatest danger isn’t the lack of food or shelter from the elements but a group of bloodthirsty grey wolves determined to make dinner of the rig workers unless Neeson can keep them safe.
Critics have been very kind to “The Grey” with Rottentomatoes.com reporting an 79% positive rating for the film. No actor understands his brand of action movie better than Liam Neeson who in each of the last two years has released an action movie that shows off his charismatic intensity and acting chops. More than anything though, as an audience member, I want to see Liam Neeson punch a wolf. That alone has me excited about “The Grey.”
“Man on a Ledge”
Starring Sam Worthington and Elizabeth Banks
Directed by Asgar Leth
Story: An ex-cop (Sam Worthington) attempts to clear his name with an elaborate plan that finds him standing on the ledge of a high rise threatening suicide. While the cops, led by Elizabeth Banks, try to talk him down the ex-cop’s plan is unfolding nearby under the noses of the cop and the man he claims framed him (Ed Harris).
Critics have not been kind to “Man on a Ledge.” Rottentomatoes.com has the film at only 20% positive reviews. Sam Worthington is Hollywood’s flavor of the moment but so far, despite starring in the most successful movie of all time, James Cameron’s “Avatar,” Worthington’s career has not been what Hollywood execs have hoped for. The box office performance of “Man on a Ledge” could be a good gauge of whether Worthington becomes the new modern action hero or whether he should start looking for a TV pilot.
“One for the Money”
Starring Katherine Heigl, Daniel Sunjata (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and Jason O’Mara (“Terra Nova”)
Directed by Julie Ann Robinson
Story: Based on the bestselling novels by Janet Evanovich, “One for the Money” stars Katherine Heigl as Stephanie Plum, a New Jersey born retail slave turned bounty hunter. Desperate for money, Stephanie goes after a former cop turned wanted fugitive (Jason O’Mara) who happens to be her former High School boyfriend.
In what tends to be a bad sign “One for the Money” was not screened for critics. That said, the Stephanie Plum novels have been wildly popular and carry a built in audience. Katherine Heigl could use a hit after her “Life as We Know It” and “Killers” failed to capitalize on the star momentum she garnered from the hits “Knocked Up,” “27 Dresses,” and “The Ugly Truth.”
What are you seeing this weekend?