Now Playing: Popstar: Never Stop Stopping, Me Before You, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2

The Rundown On What's New In Theaters This Week!

POPSTAR: NEVER STOP STOPPING

Official Synopsis:

Childhood friends Conner (Andy Samberg), Owen (Jorma Taccone) and Lawrence (Akiva Schaffer) found fame and fortune after forming the hip-hop group the Style Boyz. Owen and Lawrence faded into the background when frontman Conner left the band to launch a successful solo career. Now, the egotistical singer decides to film a documentary about his life while he's still on top. When his second album flops, the camera is there to capture his world come crashing down.

North's Take:

Can't wait!

Andy Samberg is one of the funniest people on the planet.

I loved 2007s criminally underrated, Hot Rod, and tune in to watch "Brooklyn Nine Nine".

Now him and the rest of his comedy group, The Lonely Island, are back with Popstar.

The Lonely Island have made a career skewering the music business with parody songs. 

The irony is that their "comedy songs" are often legitimate, fire jams.

I was at a club in Montreal and "I'm On A Boat" got played, the crowd went berserk.

Hopefully this film will continue to showcase their comedy and musical talents.

ME BEFORE YOU

Official Synopsis:

Young and quirky Louisa "Lou" Clark (Emilia Clarke) moves from one job to the next to help her family make ends meet. Her cheerful attitude is put to the test when she becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a wealthy young banker left paralyzed from an accident two years earlier. Will's cynical outlook starts to change when Louisa shows him that life is worth living. As their bond deepens, their lives and hearts change in ways neither one could have imagined.

North's Take:

Emilia Clarke is most know for playing The Khaleesi on "Game Of Thrones".

That character will no doubt be remembered and beloved for years to come.

Will the quirky Louisa "Lou" Clark join her?

Only time will tell.

This film's legacy will be built on what happens after it leaves theaters.

If it becomes a "must watch after a breakup" flick, we may never see the last of it.

After reading the wikipedia for the novel, I am now versed enough to know:

This is gonna be a tear-jerker.

That's a step in the right direction for The Mother Of Dragons to add to her legend.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 2

Official Synopsis:

The turtles face a new challenge when Shredder escapes from custody and joins forces with Baxter Stockman, a mad scientist who plans to use a serum to take over the world. Along for the ride are Bebop and Rocksteady, two dimwitted henchmen who provide plenty of muscle. Luckily, the turtles have their own allies in April O'Neil, Vernon Fenwick and Casey Jones, a hockey-masked vigilante. As the pizza-loving heroes prepare for battle, the notorious Krang also emerges to pose an even greater threat.

North's Take:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II is an absolutely great film.

Of course, I'm talking about the 1991 sequel, Secret Of The Ooze.

The live action Turtles had a charm about them that just can't be duplicated:

Especially not with CGI.

Alas, we are in for a second iteration of the digital Turtles and sidekick Megan Fox.

Maybe kids nowadays love these graphically enhanced versions, but I just can't abide.

In some ways, I am still that little dude with a cassette recorder pressed against the TV.

How else was I ever going to get a copy of this song?

T-U-R-T-L-E POWER! 

Last Week (No Post): X-MEN: APOCALYPSE, ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS 

Still Playing: NEIGHBORS 2, THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE, THE NICE GUYS

Still Playing: CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR

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Now Playing: Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, The Angry Birds Movie, The Nice Guys

The Rundown On What's New In Theaters This Week!

NEIGHBORS 2: SORORITY RISING

Official Synopsis:

Life is good for Mac Radner (Seth Rogen) and pregnant wife Kelly (Rose Byrne) until the unruly sisters of Kappa Nu move in next door. As the loud parties threaten the sale of their home, the couple turn to ex-neighbor and one-time enemy Teddy Sanders (Zac Efron) for help. Now united with the former college student, the trio devises schemes to get the wild sorority off the block. Unfortunately, the rebellious young women refuse to go down without a fight.

North's Take:

Neighbors was the funniest film of 2014 and the sequel has great potential.

Rogen, Byrne and Efron are back, and along with the sneaky-funny, Chloe Grace Moretz.

They will need the extra firepower to pull off the seemingly impossible task:

a comedy sequel that is better than the original.

You can recycle characters, but once you use jokes over and over, it's a slippery slope.

Don't count on this besting the original, but if it can get to 75% of the funny, I'll be happy.

As for the Best Comedy Sequels Ever, here a quick Top 5:

5. Vegas Vacation (For the record Christmas Vacation is AWFUL!)

4. Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls

3. Wayne's World 2

2. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me

1. Back To The Future II (This is probably cheating, but like I said, it's a tough genre)

THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE

Official Synopsis:

Flightless birds lead a mostly happy existence, except for Red (Jason Sudeikis), who just can't get past the daily annoyances of life. His temperament leads him to anger management class, where he meets fellow misfits Chuck (Josh Gad) and Bomb. Red becomes even more agitated when his feathered brethren welcome green pigs to their island paradise. As the swine begin to get under his skin, Red joins forces with Chuck and Bomb to investigate the real reason behind their mysterious arrival.

North's Take:

The Angry Birds mobile game franchise has hundreds of millions of downloads.

With a built-in audience like that, this film has endless box office potential.

The game itself doesn't have much of scrpit, but that shouldn't matter:

They've brought in some great comedic talent in Jason Sudeikis and Josh Gad.

Gad helped Frozen become an instant classic with his charm.

Sudeikis is hilarious, and has the edge needed to be the angriest bird.

Make no mistake:

This could become your kid's favorite movie.

THE NICE GUYS

Official Synopsis:

Holland March (Ryan Gosling) is a down-on-his-luck private eye in 1977 Los Angeles. Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe) is a hired enforcer who hurts people for a living. Fate turns them into unlikely partners after a young woman named Amelia (Margaret Qualley) mysteriously disappears. Healy and March soon learn the hard way that other dangerous people are also looking for Amelia. Their investigation leads to some dark places as anyone else who gets involved in the case seems to wind up dead.

North's Take:

Is this the start of the Russell Crowe comeback tour?

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Crowe was inescapable:

He was nominated for three consecutive Best Actor Oscars, winning for Gladiator.

Aside from playing Superman's Dad, we haven't seen Crowe in a big flick since 2012.

Now he's starring opposite Ryan Gosling in the latest from writer/director Shane Black.

Color me excited.

Shane Black has already done this film successfully.

Multiple times.

Lethal Weapon, The Last Boy Scout, The Long Kiss Goodnight.

Those films show that Black is a master of the violent/dark, but comedic, action genre.

Gosh, he practically invented that genre.

I also really enjoyed what he did with Iron Man 3, so we know Black still has the goods.

If Crowe is back to form and Gosling is still his awesome self, we are in for a real treat.

Last Week: MONEY MONSTER, THE DARKNESS

Still Playing: CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR

Still Playing: KEANU, MOTHER'S DAY, RATCHET AND CLANK

Still Playing: THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER'S WAR

Still Playing: THE JUNGLE BOOK, CRIMINAL, BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT

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Now Playing: Money Monster, The Darkness

The Rundown On What's New In Theaters This Week!

MONEY MONSTER

Official Synopsis:

Lee Gates (George Clooney) is a Wall Street guru who picks hot stocks as host of the television show "Money Monster." Suddenly, during a live broadcast, disgruntled investor Kyle Budwell storms onto the set and takes Gates hostage. He tells Lee that he lost everything on one of his tips. As Gates tries to plead with Kyle, he's also using an earpiece to communicate with his longtime producer (Julia Roberts) in the control room. Together, they must figure out a way to defuse the situation and disarm the angry young man.

North's Take:

Clooney.

Roberts.

These are two of the biggest names in film history.

And they obviously have great chemistry.

Throw in the fact that Jodie Foster is directing and you've basically got an all-star team.

Money Monster looks like a thriller in the style of Inside Man (which starred Foster):

Slick looking, with twists and turns all but guaranteed.

I'm hoping that the script can live up to the talent on screen and behind the camera.

THE DARKNESS

Official Synopsis:

A supernatural force terrorizes a couple (Kevin Bacon, Radha Mitchell) and their two children after they return home from a vacation to the Grand Canyon.

North's Take:

With a synopsis that short, the tagline should be:

"This is a scary movie starring Kevin Bacon."

Here's the trailer.

And here's a quick list of Bacon's Top 5 Performances:

5. A Few Good Men

4. Apollo 13

3. Footloose

2. The River Wild

1. JFK- Willie O'Keefe can play for my squad any day. (Warning: Foul Language!)

Last Week: CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR

Still Playing: KEANU, MOTHER'S DAY, RATCHET AND CLANK

Still Playing: THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER'S WAR

Still Playing: THE JUNGLE BOOK, CRIMINAL, BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT

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Now Playing: Captain America: Civil War

The Rundown On What's New In Theaters This Week!

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR

Official Synopsis:

Political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability when the actions of the Avengers lead to collateral damage. The new status quo deeply divides members of the team. Captain America (Chris Evans) believes superheroes should remain free to defend humanity without government interference. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) sharply disagrees and supports oversight. As the debate escalates into an all-out feud, Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) must pick a side.

North's Take:

One year ago we ranked all of the films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Then, all hell broke loose in Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Now, our heroes are splitting into two camps and deciding on career paths:

Via a super-fight.

I don't care what the title of the movie is, I'm Team Iron Man all the way.

Tony Stark has seen the future.

He knows that they must band together for survival, but things can never be that easy.

Captain America isn't exactly pleased with what happened to his best friend.

And suddenly, the world's most perfect soldier doesn't want to follow orders.

I never thought I'd see Tony Stark become the establishment and Cap, the rebel.

But I can't wait to see who is left standing on the big screen!

Last Week: KEANU, MOTHER'S DAY, RATCHET AND CLANK

Still Playing: THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER'S WAR

Still Playing: THE JUNGLE BOOK, CRIMINAL, BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT

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Now Playing: Keanu, Mother's Day, Ratchet And Clank

The Rundown On What's New In Theaters This Week!

KEANU

Official Synopsis:

Recently dumped by his girlfriend, slacker Rell (Jordan Peele) finds some happiness when a cute kitten winds up on his doorstep. After a heartless thief steals the cat, Rell recruits his cousin Clarence (Keegan-Michael Key) to help him retrieve it. They soon learn that a thug named Cheddar (Method Man) has the animal, and he'll only give it back if the two men agree to work for him. Armed with guns and a gangster attitude, it doesn't take long for the hapless duo to land in big trouble.

North's Take:

If you don't know about Key and Peele, click this link and get ready to laugh.

They've had a TV show for 5 seasons and are easily the best comedic duo around.

When I heard they had a movie coming out, I was stoked.

Then I heard it was about them becoming gangsters to retrieve their cute cat:

And I was even more excited.

Funny is funny.

This concept, in the hands of lesser comedians, could become Corky Romano 2.0.

With Key and Peele at the helm, rest assured: There Will Be Laughs!

MOTHER'S DAY

Official Synopsis:

Intertwining stories revolve around a television host (Julia Roberts), a divorcee (Jennifer Aniston) looking for love and a woman (Kate Hudson) who wants to strengthen her relationship with her mother.

North's Take:

Director Garry Marshall is a straight-up, Hollywood legend.

In his fifty plus years in the business, he created famous TV shows and classic films.

I doubt there is anyone who has never heard of "Happy Days" or Pretty Woman.

Mother's Day, which follows Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve, is simple in concept:

Julia Roberts, Jennifer Anniston and Kate Hudson have feelings about life.

I'm sure there is more to the film than that, but this is right in Marshall's wheelhouse.

He's been making audiences weep for years, from Beaches to The Other Sister.

I don't know if this film is destined for greatness, but I know Marshall has it in him.

RATCHET AND CLANK

Official Synopsis:

Ratchet is the last of his kind, a foolhardy lombax who grew up without a family. Clank is a pint-sized robot with more brains than brawn. After stumbling upon a weapon that can destroy entire planets, they join forces with a team of do-gooders known as the Galactic Rangers. Together, they must stop the evil alien Chairman Drek from utilizing this dangerous technology. Along the way, Ratchet and Clank learn valuable lessons about heroism, friendship and discovering one's own identity.

North's Take:

Back in 2013, I ranked the Best and Worst Movie/Video Game Combinations.

It will be a hard list to crack, but Ratchet And Clank has the potential:

Video games have basically become feature films and the transfer is much easier.

I doubt we will ever see a truly great film become an unplayble game. 

The days of E.T. on Atari 2600 are long gone.

And I don't see them screwing up a film version of a great game series like R&C.

Can this combo make its way onto the list?

You'll have to go to the movies this weekend to find out.

Last Week: THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER'S WAR

Still Playing: THE JUNGLE BOOK, CRIMINAL, BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT

Still Playing: HARDCORE HENRY, THE BOSS, DEMOLITION

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Now Playing: The Huntsman: Winter's War

The Rundown On What's New In Theaters This Week!

THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER'S WAR

Official Synopsis:

Betrayed by her evil sister Ravenna (Charlize Theron), heartbroken Freya (Emily Blunt) retreats to a northern kingdom to raise an army of huntsmen as her protectors. Gifted with the ability to freeze her enemies in ice, Freya teaches her young soldiers to never fall in love. When Eric (Chris Hemsworth) and fellow warrior Sara defy this rule, the angry queen does whatever she can to stop them. As war between the siblings escalates, Eric and Sara unite with Freya to end Ravenna's wicked reign.

North's Take:

In 2012, Kristen Stewart ruled the box office.

She reprised her role in the Twilight series and starred in Snow White and The Huntsman.

The films combined for a Worldwide Gross of over $1.2 Billion and everything was set:

The sequel got the greenlight and surely, this was the start of her next big franchise.

Well yes, until it wasn't.

They kept the Huntsman and the Evil Queen, but Kristen Stewart?

She's gone, and so is Snow White.

Instead we get to see Emily Blunt (recently great in Sicario) take on Charlize.

That's just fine by me:

Theron and Blunt are top flight talents and can carry an action film:

Did you see Mad Max: Fury Road or Edge Of Tomorrow?

They kick butt with the best of 'em.

The Huntsman is the first feature film for director Cedric Nicolas-Tobin.

However, he is no novice to the industry or this series:

He was nominated for an Oscar for the Visual Effects on Snow White.

Since the effects were the best part of the first film, I'll check it out.

Last Week: THE JUNGLE BOOK, CRIMINAL, BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT

Still In Theaters: HARDCORE HENRY, THE BOSS, DEMOLITION

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Now Playing: The Jungle Book, Criminal, Barbershop: The Next Cut

The Rundown On What's New In Theaters This Week!

THE JUNGLE BOOK

Official Synopsis:

Raised by a family of wolves since birth, Mowgli (Neel Sethi) must leave the only home he's ever known when the fearsome tiger Shere Khan (Idris Elba) unleashes his mighty roar. Guided by a no-nonsense panther (Ben Kingsley) and a free-spirited bear (Bill Murray), the young boy meets an array of jungle animals, including a slithery python and a smooth-talking ape. Along the way, Mowgli learns valuable life lessons as his epic journey of self-discovery leads to fun and adventure.

North's Take: 

You had me at Bill Murray.

Throw in Ben Kingsley, Scarlett Johansson, director Jon Favreau and some great 3-D:

The Jungle Book has the recipe to become a classic.

I'm not a huge fan of the animated film (give me The Lion King, all day).

However, I completely trust Favreau to deliver:

His other "kid's movies", Zathura, and Elf, are wonderful for all audiences.

CRIMINAL

Official Synopsis:

CIA agent Bill Pope (Ryan Reynolds) dies while traveling to a secret location to meet a hacker who can launch missiles at will. Desperate to find his whereabouts, officials turn to an experimental neurosurgeon who can transfer memories from one brain to another. The guinea pig for the procedure is Jerico Stewart (Kevin Costner), a violent and dangerous death-row inmate. Now gifted with Pope's skills and knowledge, Stewart must race against time to stop a sinister international conspiracy.

North's Take:

Kevin Costner never stops.

Just check his IMDB page, he's been doing work!

He was recently very good in Draft Day, which was underrated and under-seen.

Here's my quick Top 5 Costner performances:

5. American Flyers

4. Bull Durham

3. The Untouchables

2. Field Of Dreams

1. JFK

With a résumé like that, I bet that him and Ryan Reynolds will make Criminal watchable.

BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT

Official Synopsis:

To survive harsh economic times, Calvin and Angie have merged the barbershop and beauty salon into one business. The days of male bonding are gone as Eddie and the crew must now contend with sassy female co-workers and spirited clientele. As the battle of the sexes rages on, a different kind of conflict has taken over Chicago. Crime and gangs are on the rise, leaving Calvin worried about the fate of his son. Together, the friends come up with a bold plan to take back their beloved neighborhood.

North's Take:

The original Barbershop had some good laughs and also pulled at the heartstrings:

Throw out the gun, Ricky!

I expect more of the same from The Next Cut.

I'm pleased to see North/South favorite, Sean Patrick Thomas, is reprising his role.

Just so you know, Chris and I may be the biggest Cruel Intentions fans to ever live.

We used to yell "Valmont!" at each other in public all the time.

Plus, I still use "I guess that puts me in my place", constantly.

My only question about this film:

Can Nicki Minaj can take over the best Rapper/Actor title from Ice Cube?

Head to the theater to find out.

Last Week: HARDCORE HENRY, THE BOSS, DEMOLITION

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Now Playing: Hardcore Henry, The Boss, Demolition

The Rundown On What's New In Theaters This Week!

HARDCORE HENRY

Official Synopsis:

A man wakes up in a Moscow laboratory to learn that he's been brought back from the dead as a half-human, half-robotic hybrid. With no memory of his former life, a woman who claims to be his wife tells him that his name is Henry. Before she can activate his voice, armed thugs storm in and kidnap her. As Henry starts to understand his new abilities, he embarks on a bloody rampage through the city to save his spouse from a psychopath (Danila Kozlovsky) who plans to destroy the world.

North's Take: 

This movie looks INSANE! 

Granted, point-of-view is not new, but this is the first time we have ever seen a wide release shot entirely from the perspective. First-person action/shooters are what sent the video game market into the stratosphere, so it was only a matter of time before Hollywood got into the act. I doubt Hardcore Henry will win any awards for it's screenplay, but the action sequences look legit. If you're looking for a unique theater experience, the search is over. 

THE BOSS

Official Synopsis:

Wealthy mogul Michelle Darnell (Melissa McCarthy) always gets her way, until she's busted for insider trading and sent to federal prison. After leaving jail, Darnell finds herself broke, homeless and hated. Luckily, she tracks down former assistant Claire (Kristen Bell), the only person who's willing to help. While staying with Claire and her young daughter, the ex-con devises a new business model for a Brownie empire. Unfortunately, some old enemies stand in the way of her return to the top.

North's Take:

Melissa McCarthy is one of the funniest people on the planet.

If they get her and Will Ferrell to star in a movie together, I may never stop laughing.

I think her and Kristen Bell could make a great duo here and be honest:

Don't you wanna find out why McCarthy is clothes-lining somebody is the above photo?

I always say: there is nothing better than seeing a great comedy in a packed theater.

Let's pray that The Boss will be more like The Heat, or Spy, and less like Tammy.

DEMOLITION

Official Synopsis:

A sympathetic woman (Naomi Watts) and her rebellious son (Judah Lewis) form a strong bond with an investment banker (Jake Gyllenhaal) whose life begins to unravel following the death of his wife (Heather Lind).

North's Take:

Well the synopsis is short and sweet, but I don't think they left anything out.

This is a showcase film for the acting talents of Jake Gyllenhaal, plain and simple. 

And make no mistake, Gyllenhaal has the goods:

He is nothing short of phenomenal in End Of Watch, Prisoners, and Nightcrawler.

I know Gyllenhaal and (hopefully) Naomi Watts will do their part, but:

Can director Jean-Marc Vallée can replicate the emotional power of Dallas Buyers Club?

If so, don't forget to bring the tissues!

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Dan's Year In Film: 2015

I saw 59 new films in 2015.
Here they are, in glory and failure, ranked from Best To Worst

Great
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Mad Max: Fury Road
Spotlight
Steve Jobs
The Martian

Very Good
Love & Mercy
Ex Machina
The Revenant
Bridge Of Spies
Kingsman: The Secret Service
The Night Before

Good
Joy
Avengers: Age Of Ultron
Ant-Man
Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation
Creed
The Walk
Mistress America
Trainwreck
Black Mass
The Big Short
Sicario
Mr. Holmes
Dope
Jurassic World
The Intern
The Peanuts Movie
Inside Out

Watchable
Straight Outta Compton
Terminator: Genisys
Furious 7
Goosebumps
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2
Spy
Focus
The Hateful Eight
Tomorrowland

Don't Bother
Entourage
Vacation
The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Fantastic Four
Spectre
San Andreas
Divergent: Insurgent
The Good Dinosaur
Unfinished Business
Sisters
Pitch Perfect 2
The Wedding Ringer
Daddy's Home
Cinderella
Hot Pursuit
Get Hard

Unwatchable
Magic Mike XXL
American Ultra
Hot Tub Time Machine 2
Fifty Shades of Gray
Love The Coopers
Ted 2


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