In Theaters This Weekend: February 24, 2012





Every week when writing this post I think 'okay, this is the worst of it, we'll start getting back to some good work after this'. And every week, I'm wrong. We've had a few good surprises so far (it's still safe to assume that "The Grey" is leading in that regard), but overall, a fairly typical winter with mostly thoughtless action and genre pieces. But, March is just around the corner, and with that month brings a variety of films that should at least provide something interesting to talk about each week.


For now though, hit the jump to get a closer look into everything we get this weekend.

Three big films hit the screens this weekend, and of the three, the most intriguing to me looks to be "Wanderlust", starring Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston. The movie is about a stressed-out couple who, while driving to their in-law's in Atlanta, happen upon this idyllic community filled with free-spirits. The culture there is the complete opposite of how Rudd and Aniston's characters have lived their lives, but maybe it's just what this couple needed at this point in their lives.


From the trailers it looks like a pretty standard setup: two uptight people are thrown into a setting with very relaxed and loving people. Initially, there will be culture clashes and Rudd and Aniston feeling very uncomfortable and out of place. But over the course of the movie they'll realize the brighter side of this lifestyle and it will bring on changes in their own lives. So while it looks primed to follow a course that is pretty well defined for this type of thing, it is directed by David Wain ("Wet Hot American Summer", "Role Models"), so I'm sure the comedy will be a little more coarse and fresh than one would generally expect in a comedy like this. And the cast is really solid and full of funny people.


I don't think this will be a theater venture for me (not because of quality, I just don't NEED to see this, and the theater won't add much to the experience for this one I don't think), but definitely something I'll keep tabs on and if nothing else check out when it hits DVD.


Otherwise, the other films coming out this weekend are "Act of Valor" and "Gone". I won't spend a whole lot of time on either of these, but I'll at least give you a rundown of what to expect. The first movie, "Act of Valor" is a war-time movie that centers around a group of Navy SEALs deep on a covert mission to recover a kidnapped CIA agent. I'm sure the quality and "realism" (the trailer REFUSES to let you leave without knowing that active Navy SEALs are in this movie) of this will be good, and if you're into these types of movies, it will probably be a good watch. It doesn't appeal to me though. Everytime I see this trailer I just feel like I'm watching a recruitment ad. I''m sure there will be plenty of heart and heroism in this movie though, so, like I said, if you're into these types of movies, this will probably be an okay option.


And that just leaves "Gone". This is a thriller that revolves are girl (Amanda Seyfried) who was kidnapped by a serial killer years ago and now suspects that her younger sister has been kidnapped by the same person. It's a race against time to see if she can track them down before her sister is killed.


This looks like a really standard script and nothing that will add anything new to the genre. I don't really have many opinions to add on this film because I honestly have none - I'm completely uninterested by this film. I don't dislike it, I just don't care. It will be around for a couple of weeks and then everyone will forget it ever existed. If you don't have much exposure to this genre, maybe you can appreciate it on a Sunday afternoon or something. Otherwise, I wouldn't waste your money.


That's pretty much it though. Not a lot that interests me, but maybe one of these looks appealing to you. All should be fine enough examples of their genre, so if you're interested, I always recommend checking them out - I just wouldn't expect anything groundbreaking. But movies don't always have to be that anyway. There's nothing wrong for taking something in on a slow weekend day just to get to the theater. I do it all the time. If you have interest, go for it. Who knows, maybe it'll surprise you!