With so much grabbing for your attention and dollars these days, it’s easy to miss when the latest releases are heading to a cinema near you. So come back every week as we here at So, Is It Any Good? preview the new movies hitting screens, and give you the lowdown on what to watch this weekend.
This weekend: Jack Reacher returns, Isla Fisher and Zach Galifianakis try Keeping Up With The Joneses, we find the Origin Of Evil in a Ouija sequel, Elle Fanning battles The Neon Demon, and Woody Allen‘s ode to old Hollywood unspools in Cafe Society.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
Rating: M
Starring: Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders
Synopsis: Jack Reacher returns to the headquarters of his old unit, only to find out he’s now accused of a 16-year-old homicide.
OUR VERDICT
Trailer:
Why you should care: The first Jack Reacher was a solid and entertaining, if unspectacular, action entry. It didn’t light the box office on fire, but made enough bank to make another one worthwhile. This one again has Jack teaming up with a strong female character, but the difference here is that there is less likelihood of a damsel in distress moment from the combat trained character Smulders is playing. She showed in The Avengers that she can do this sort of role, and so although it’s not a stretch, I’m sure she’ll be more than adequate as a foil for the lone wolf badassery of Cruise. As long as he gets a running scene, I’ll be happy.
Who should see it: Cruisers
Keeping Up With The Joneses
Rating: M
Starring: Isla Fisher, Zach Galifianakis, Jon Hamm, Gal Gadot
Synopsis: An ordinary suburban couple (Galifianakis, Fisher) finds it’s not easy keeping up with the Joneses (Hamm, Gadot) – their impossibly gorgeous and ultra-sophisticated new neighbours – especially when they discover that Mr. and Mrs. “Jones” are covert operatives.
OUR VERDICT
Trailer:
Why you should care: I really want to like this, cause I’ve enjoyed all the actors in other things, but I just can’t. It looks like a mix between Date Night and Mr & Mrs Smith, in that it’s all been done before, and probably better. Pass.
Who should see it: Bored suburbanites or if you’re HAM for Hamm
Ouija: Origin Of Evil
Rating: M
Starring: Elizabeth Reaser, Doug Jones, Henry Thomas, Lin Shaye
Synopsis: In 1967 Los Angeles, a widowed mother and her two daughters add a new stunt to bolster their seance scam business and unwittingly invite authentic evil into their home. When the youngest daughter is overtaken by a merciless spirit, the family confronts unthinkable fears to save her and send her possessor back to the other side.
Trailer:
Why you should care: I’m glad I put the lights on when I was watching that, because holy shit that little girl is scary. Out of all the kinds of horror movies, I’m more likely to watch one about spirits and ghosts, so this is right up my alley. I like the whole scam artist angle as well, it’s a nice twist on the familiar. I haven’t seen the original Ouija, and according to reviews I probably shouldn’t, but this one might just be worth it. Or else wait a week or so and get a good Halloween scare in.
Who should see it: Fright fanciers
The Neon Demon
Rating: M
Starring: Elle Fanning, Keanu Reeves, Bella Heathcote
Synopsis: Jesse (Elle Fanning) moves to Los Angeles just after her 16th birthday to launch a career as a model. The head of her agency tells the innocent teen that she has the qualities to become a top star. Jesse soon faces the wrath of ruthless vixens who despise her fresh-faced beauty. On top of that, she must contend with a seedy motel manager and a creepy photographer. As Jesse starts to take the fashion world by storm, her personality changes in ways that could help her against her cutthroat rivals.
Trailer:
Why you should care: Drive was excellent but Only God Forgives was a bit of mess, so it’s hard to tell if Nicolas Winding Refn’s new film is a step forward, or a catwalk strut back. As per usual it looks amazing, but the trailer doesn’t sell me on the appeal of watching vapid models spout semi-profound nonsense. It’s supposedly a horror film, but I don’t get that much either. Step onto the runway at your own risk.
Who should see it: Indie admirers and fashionistas
Cafe Society
Rating: M
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Blake Lively, Steve Carrell, Elizabeth Banks
Synopsis: A young man arrives in Hollywood during the 1930s hoping to work in the film industry. There, he falls in love, and finds himself swept up in the vibrant café society that defined the spirit of the age.
Trailer:
Why you should care: You know what you’re getting with Woody Allen movies by now. A talking script, a starry cast clamoring for the chance to work with a great director, a characters with a large helping of that director’s own neuroses. If that’s your cup of tea, you’re probably already looking up session times, if not, there’s a lot more to divert your attention this weekend.
Who should see it: Woody watchers
So, who’s getting your hard earned dollars this weekend? Hit us up in the comments and let us know what you’ve watched, and if it’s any good!