By Chris Kavan - 05/23/13 at 01:14 PM CT
It's Memorial Day weekend and that means an extra day to enjoy all the new films coming out - or catch up on a few you still need to see. And it's a good thing, too, because Hollywood isn't slowing down for the holiday - in fact, they're ramping things up. Whereas Iron Man 3 and Star Trek Into Darkness were given an entire weekend to themselves, that is not the case this weekend. In fact, all three movies coming out this week have great chance of capturing a large audience: one action, one comedy and one family film. It will be interesting to see who winds up on top.
FAST & FURIOUS 6 I admit, ever since seeing that initial Super Bowl spot, I have been anticipating this one. Fast Five was, in my opinion, the best movie in the series after the original. I would be happy if this sixth entry was just as enjoyable. I just hope they don't push the incredulous action aspect too far. Tanks, exploding planes, The Rock - I want to have fun, but I also don't want to roll my eyes if things go too over-the-top. Still, in addition to our rogues gallery from the last film, Michelle Rodriguez makes her return and newcomers Luke Evans and Gina Carano should spice things up too. There is no doubt I will be entertained by this - the question is whether they can balance the action with a decent story (and villain). If they can - they're going to have another blockbuster and the fuel needed to continue the franchise.
THE HANGOVER, PART III Let's face it, the second film felt pretty much like a rehash of the original set in a different location. From what I've seen of this third entry - it's not going to be another cookie-cutter sequel - but rather a grand finale. Plus they have John Goodman - the man has been in a number of Oscar-worthy film lately - and we know he can tackle comedy - so I say, the more Goodman, the better. We return to Vegas - although things seem to be a little darker this time around. Alan's father has died and the boys decide to help him deal with the fallout - but, of course, nothing can go as planned... this is a Hangover movie after all. Kidnapping, gangsters, Mr. Chow - everything that can go wrong, will go wrong (yet again). Even thought the second entry was a letdown, I'm willing to give the Wolfpack another chance. Hopefully they can go out with a bang.
EPIC For quite awhile The Croods has been the only true "family" film at the box office. And it has enjoyed that status by making a tidy pile of money along the way. Now we have Epic - a battle between good and evil featuring a teen who finds herself caught in the middle with the fate of two worlds on the line. The story feels a bit familiar, but the look is fresh. The vocal talent ranges from the strange (Pitbull and Steven Tyler?) to the popular (Josh Hutcherson, Amanda Seyfried and Christoph Waltz) to comedic (Aziz Ansari and Jason Sudeikis). Considering the interesting mix, I would be interested to see how things play out - but more interested in a rental rather than a theater visit. I have a feeling it will do well if for no other reason than families, once again, have little other choice. I don't think it will be able to top either Fast 6 or The Hangover III, but I could be wrong - the power of families (especially over a holiday weekend) is not to be taken lightly.
What are you looking forward to this weekend? Chances are I'll be watching a couple new films. Given the long weekend - final results will roll in Monday, but I'll still update the weekend per usual.
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