Weekend Preview 2014: 'And So it Goes,' 'Hercules' and 'Lucy' Among New Releases
The weekend of July 25th will be a busy one in the film industry, with a number of major studio comedies, science fiction flicks and thrillers hitting theaters. Here is a rundown of some of the big releases this coming weekend.
"And So It Goes" : Rob Reiner returns to the helm after an absence of two years. This time the Oscar nominee brings a movie starring Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton about a self-centered realtor who enlists the help of his neighbor when he's suddenly left in charge of the granddaughter he never knew existed. The release is Clarius Entertainment's second film, and posters for the comedy have tried to interact and engage with audiences. The movie has not been screened for critics but given the star wattage and the lack of movies for older audiences, this film should appeal to that demographic. Clarius is releasing the film in 1,800 theaters.
"Hercules" : It has been six months since "The Legend of Hercules" was released and flopped. Now Paramount is releasing a new feature starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. This time the film tells the story of Hercules, the Greek demigod, who has his life as a sword-for-hire tested when the King of Thrace and his daughter seek his aid in defeating a tyrannical warlord. The studio has promoted the film heavily but buzz has been low. Paramount has also kept the film away from critics which could mean that it is not very good. However the studio will still push the Greek epic into 3,500 theaters.
"Lucy" : Back in March, Scarlett Johansson starred in "Under the Skin" as an alien who preys on men. This weekend the actress returns to the science fiction scene in "Lucy." The Luc Besson film tells the story of a woman who is accidentally caught in a dark deal and turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic. The film is expected to do well at the box office, especially since Johansson has become one of the most popular stars in the last year. While there are no reviews at the moment, that will not affect the Universal release which is heading to 3,200 theaters.
"The Fluffy Movie" : Open Road will release the comedy concert film that captures the on-stage performance and inspirational success story of Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias. The company has not been aggressive with the marketing, and the film has lacked buzz. The movie will likely generate an audience from Latin American fans of Iglesias. However the film is being released in 432 theaters and currently has no reviews; it is unlikely the film stands out at the box office.
"Magic in the Moonlight" : Woody Allen returns to the box office a year after the hit "Blue Jasmine." The new feature starring Emma Stone and Colin Firth tells the story of an Englishman brought in to help unmask a possible swindle. However, personal and professional complications ensue. Allen is always hit-or-miss, and most of the time the success of his films depends on the reviews. His latest effort is receiving mixed reviews, but many critics have said that it is just a funny and breezy film with minimal substance. Sony Pictures Classics is unspooling the feature in limited release and will expand it nationwide in later weeks.
"Happy Christmas" : The prolific Joe Swanberg brings his Sundance film to theaters this weekend. The feature starring Melanie Lynskey and Anna Kendrick follows Jenny who moves in with writer Kelly, her filmmaker husband, and their child. Despite a rocky start, Jenny's influence helps Kelly realize that an evolution in her life, career and relationship is necessary for her happiness. Swanberg is known for his simplistic filmmaking style and his improvisational dialogue. The feature premiered in January at Sundance where it received rave reviews. Magnolia will release the film in theaters in limited release. Swanberg is not very well known in the mainstream crowd, and as a result most of the film's profits will come from VOD.
"A Most Wanted Man" : Roadside Attractions will release Phillip Seymour Hoffman's penultimate feature. The new thriller, also starring Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright, and Willem Dafoe, tells the story of a Chechen Muslim who illegally immigrates to Hamburg, where he gets caught in the international war on terror. After premiering at Sundance, the film scored rave reviews and currently has a 92 percent aggregate score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is generating awards buzz for Hoffman, and with an aggressive theatrical push, the movie could generate a surprising box office.
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