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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