By Chris Kavan - 01/31/13 at 12:54 PM CT
January has come to a close and, for Hollywood, it's not going to be a month they look back on fondly. But, then again, the month is usually a rough one following the big December releases. How shall February fare? While March has been a big month recently, February usually doesn't stand out. That doesn't mean there won't be some surprises, but I have a feeling that they will be few and far between. Onto this week then:
WARM BODIES When I first heard about this film, I though "I cannot imagine a more inane idea than a zombie romance". Yet, as I've seen more trailers, I have to admit, I'm slowly coming around to the fact that, despite the completely insane premise, this might not be that bad of a film. While I at first imagined this was going to be Twilight with zombies instead of vampires, I have a feeling it might rise above a typical teen-centric rom-com. Nicholas Hoult is not what I would call the typical pretty boy - but as he proved in X-Men: First Class, he can play different well (first a Beast, now a zombie - I'm left wondering what he's going to take on next....). And John Malkovich is there to provide some gravitas to the whole affair. I'm still undecided on whether this is going to be fare or terrible, but I am interested enough that I'm willing to give it a shot.
BULLET TO THE HEAD As we learned recently, being a one-time big-name action star does not mean that you will have success in this day in age. Now, I"m not saying Bullet to the Head is going to fall as badly as The Last Stand, but from what I've seen, I don't see it doing much better. Instead or Arnie, we have Sylvester Stallone pairing with Korean American Sung Kang (who many will recognize from the Fast and the Furious series). The story is about a hitman and detective joining forces to bring down a mutual enemy. It's the Odd Couple - but with a lot more guns, bullets and death. Supporting cast includes Christian Slater, the massive Jason Momoa, Sarah Shahi and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. Not super inspiring, but action is usually a disposable commodity - most of the time. I highly doubt this is going to rise to Die Hard level, but it looks at least entertaining.
STAND UP GUYS This movie reminds me a lot of Red but with less action, more comedy and probably not quite as much fun. Despite the idea of having Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin (who slayed in Argo) in the same film, nothing I have seen makes me that interested to watch them. The idea behind the film seems sound - a trio of aging con men get together for one last hurrah - only one of them has a contract out on one of the others. Yet from what I've seen, it's like everyone is just going through the motions. I doubt this is going to make many waves, but it might make a good rental on an otherwise boring night some day.
Will the beginning of February be able to drive the winter blues away from the box office? It's tough to say whether any of these movies have the chops to make a big mark. I see the potential for mild success but no knock outs. But come Sunday I'll have the final numbers.
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