'The Maze Runner,' 'A Walk Among the Tombstones,' 'This is Where I Leave You' Enter Crowded Movie Weekend
On Friday, Sept. 19, the weekend will feature one of the most crowded slates of the year.
A number of horror, science fiction and dramatic films will open. Additionally some awards contenders will attempt to gain a head start in the race.
Latin Post takes a look at the hottest movies coming out on Friday:
The Maze Runner
This weekend, Fox will attempt to launch another franchise with "The Maze Runner." The film based on the bestselling novel by James Dashner tells the story of Thomas, who is planted in a community of boys after his memory is erased. He soon learns they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape.
The movie starring Dylan O'Brien, Blake Cooper, Will Poulter and Aml Ameen has obtained positive reviews with critics stating that it is intriguing and fun. The film is currently on track to open with a robust $30 million. For a young adult film based on a novel, that figure is solid, especially since many have flopped including "The Host," "Beautiful Creatures" and "The Giver." Fox will open the film in a strong 3,500 theaters and hopes to generate a trilogy.
This Is Where I Leave You
Director Shawn Levy returns to cinemas with his new comedy about four grown siblings who are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week when their father passes away. The comedy premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, where it scored mixed reviews. Critics commented on the great cast but said the plot was too familiar and unoriginal. Starring Jason Bateman, Adam Driver, Tina Fey, Jane Fonda, Corey Stoll, Kathryn Hahn and Rose Byrne, the film is likely to generate interest from comedy fans as well as older audiences. Opening in 2,750 theaters, Warner Bros hopes to make hit out of "This Is Where I Leave You."
A Walk Among the Tombstones
Liam Neeson returns to the box office after scoring a huge hit in March with "Non-Stop." His latest film tells the story of private investigator Matthew Scudder who is hired by a drug kingpin to find out who kidnapped and murdered his wife. Directed by Scott Frank, the feature has scored positive reactions from critics. Neeson has become an action icon and driven such films as "Taken," "The Grey" and "Unknown" to be huge box office hits. "A Walk Among the Tombstones" has been marketed as a darker tale and has not showcased as much action as his previous thrillers.
Nevertheless, Universal will open it in 2,500 theaters and it should be a modest hit for the actor.
Hector and the Search for Happiness
Relativity's latest drama tells the story of a psychiatrist who searches the globe to find the secret of happiness. The new movie starring Simon Pegg and Rosamund Pike premiered at Toronto International Film Festival to terrible reviews and currently has a 25 percent aggregate score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, Pegg is getting praised for his performance in the movie. Opening in four theaters, Pegg fans will definitely be driven to theaters but it will be hard be a hard sell for Relativity especially with no buzz.
Tusk
After a three-year absence from the director's chair, Kevin Smith returns with his latest film. The movie tells the story of a podcaster, Wallace Bryton, who goes missing in the backwoods of Manitoba while interviewing a mysterious seafarer named Howard Howe. When he does not appear, his best friend Teddy and girlfriend Allison team with an ex-cop to look for him.
Starring Justin Long, Genesis Rodriguez, Haley Joel Osment and Johnny Depp, the movie premiered Toronto in theMidnight Madness sidebar where it won the runner up People's Choice award. A24 is releasing the feature in 500 theaters and is expected to become the distributor's highest grossing film. However, it will only appeal to horror fans and could eventually garner a cult following.
Tracks
The Weinstein Company will finally release the Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver starrer after delaying it. The film, by John Curran, tells the story of a young woman who goes on a 1,700 mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with her four camels and faithful dog. The studio has not given the film a huge marketing push but the drama scored rave reviews out of Venice Film Festival last year. The film was slated to open in the summer but the company pushed it back to the fall for awards traction. However, the feature is not generating the buzz or obtaining the traction necessary to gain awards. Opening in four theaters, this is unlikely to become an art house hit.
The Guest
After redefining the slasher genre with "You're Next," Adam Wingard returns with his latest horror flick. His latest movie tells the story of a soldier who introduces himself to the Peterson family, claiming to be a friend of their son who died in action. After the young man is welcomed into their home, a series of accidental deaths seem to be connected to his presence.
The movie was selected to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and later screened at the Toronto Film Festival where it received rave reviews. Picturehouse is releasing the picture in an unusual format. Rather than open nationwide, it will first release it in 19 theaters and later expand it in the next weeks.
Other movies opening this week include Terry Gilliam's "The Zero Theorem" starring Christoph Waltz and Radius TWC's documentary "Keep On Keepin' On." Well Go USA will release "Iceman" and Drafthouse will show "20,000 Days on Earth."
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