Opening wide this week are Spike Jonze's "Where the Wild Things Are," F. Gary Gray's "Law Abiding Citizen" with Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler; and "The Stepfather" with Dylan Walsh and Sela Ward.
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (by Spike Jonze)
Synopsis: It follows the adventure of Max (Max Records), a mischievous young boy who is sent to his room after rebelling against his mother (Catherine Keener). Max's imagination is free to roam, and it soon transports him to a thriving forest bordering a vast sea. Delighted, he sets sail for the land of the Wild Things, where mischief reigns and Max rules.
First thoughts: Even though I never read the book and I was not familiar with the story, I'm totally excited to see this one. I'm looking forward to Max's adventures, I'm looking forward to the film's visuals, and I'm really looking forward to the performances. Plus, I expect this one to perform really well this weekend. My excitement meter for this one: 8/10.
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LAW ABIDING CITIZEN (with Jamie Foxx, Gerard Butler)
Synopsis: Law Abiding Citizen is a thriller about a brilliant sociopath who orchestrates a series of high-profile murders that grip the city of Philadelphia - all from inside his jail cell - and the prosecutor assigned to his case who realizes he is the only one who can end the reign of terror.
First thoughts: Trailers and spots for "Law" look rather silly, but I admit this could be something I may enjoy as long as the plot delivers and the film is intriguing enough to capture my full attention. Plus, it boasts a pretty cool cast. My excitement meter for this one: 7/10.
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THE STEPFATHER (with Dylan Walsh)
Synopsis: Michael Harding (Penn Badgley) returns home from military school to find his mother (Sela Ward) happily in love and living with her new boyfriend, David (Dylan Walsh). As the two men get to know each other, Michael becomes more and more suspicious of the man who is always there with a helpful hand. Is he really the man of her dreams or could David be hiding a dark side?
First thoughts: Another horror remake... another miss? The trailer for "Stepfather" shows way too much already, and I can't get excited about this one a bit. I love Dylan Walsh, yes, but good actors have done terrible horror before. Let's hope for at least some good twists in this. My excitement meter for this one: 2/10.