Movie TalkWeekend Picks: ‘Act of Valor,’ ‘Gone,’ ‘Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds’ & ‘Wanderlust’
Last weekend was another good earner at the box office, with five films each making more than $17 million. As the movie-going world transitioned from Valentine's Day back to real life, "Safe House" and "The Vow" swapped places in the top spots from the prior week, with the Denzel thriller barely beating out the steamy romance.
But with four movies opening wide this weekend, the top spot is in serious jeopardy. If you can't find a film that suits your liking from this weekend's releases, then maybe you don't like enough stuff. You like action? Check. You like suspense? Check. You like life-affirming drama? Check. You like laughs? Check. With so many likable options opening this weekend, how can you possibly decide? Worry not; we boil down the choices below and predict what kinds of fans will enjoy each flick.
Wanderlust
Rated R for sexual content, graphic nudity, language, and drug use.
What's the Story?
Linda (Jennifer Aniston) and George (Paul Rudd) are stressed-out yuppies caught up in their fast-paced lives in the city. When George falls victim to an office downsizing, he takes a job from his jerk of a brother in Atlanta, an experience that quickly sends George and Linda on the road for greener pastures. When they accidentally end up at an idyllic commune, Elysium, the couple decides to give communal living a chance. But are they really ready to give up all their material comforts and embrace the simpler things in life?
Who Will Dig It?
This funny flick is for anyone who likes raucous comedies with heart, fish-out-of-water tales, Judd Apatow jokes, and gratuitous nudity.
The cast of 'Wanderlust' talks to Yahoo! Movies:
See showtimes for 'Wanderlust' >>
Rated PG-13 for sexual content, language, some violence and thematic material.
What's the Story?
Wesley Deeds III (Tyler Perry) leads the perfect life. He runs his successful family's successful business. He's engaged to a smart and beautiful woman. He's got it all -- and all he ever had to do to get it was live up to expectations. But Wesley's world is shaken from its predestined path when he has a chance encounter with his office cleaning lady, Lindsey Wakefield (Thandie Newton), a down-on-her luck single mother who lets her daughter sleep in a supply closet while she cleans at night. When Wesley offers to help Lindsey and her daughter, the reverberations of his uncharacteristic good deed make him question his character. Can he cease to be the man he was always expected to be and become the man he hopes to be?
Who Will Dig It?
If you like moving, uplifting dramas; morality tales about choice and consequence; and Tyler Perry then make the right choice and check out this powerful film.
See showtimes for 'Good Deeds' >>
Act of Valor
Rated R for strong violence including some torture, and for language.
What's the Story?
U.S. Navy SEALs are sent on a rescue mission to recover a kidnapped CIA agent. When team members discover an imminent threat to the global community, they are sent on a secret operation that will take them into some of the most dangerous regions in the world, from Somalia to the Mexican border. The fate of the world depends on their success. The film casts real active-duty U.S. Navy SEALs alongside polished actors in the midst of a gripping story based on actual SEAL operations.
Who Will Dig It?
This action-packed thriller is for those who like authentic special-ops technology, stunning combat sequences, and real American heroes.
See showtimes for 'Act of Valor' >>
Rated PG-13 for violence and terror, some sexual material, brief language, and drug references.
What's the Story?
Jill Parrish (Amanda Seyfried) knows what it's like to be abducted. A year ago, she narrowly escaped after being kidnapped and thrown down a deep hole in the woods, where human remains kept her company. The authorities never found the hole, and they never found the guy. Now, Jill suspects her sister has been abducted by the same serial killer. Unfortunately, the authorities don't believe her. In a race against time, Jill must defy the authorities and confront her abductor, if she wants to save her sister.
Who Will Dig It?
If you're a fan of fast-paced suspense, unexpected plot twists, and serial killer thrillers be sure to get to the theater early for this flick before the tickets are gone.
