Movie TalkWeekend Picks: ‘Savages,’ ‘Katy Perry: Part of Me’ & ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’
This week's movie releases are a bit funny due to the Fourth of July holiday: While both "The Amazing Spider-Man" and "Katy Perry: Part of Me" are already in theaters, I imagine a lot of you will be playing catchup this weekend, so I've included them for your review.
Dripping of blood, sex and drugs, Oliver Stone's "Savages" is the only wide release debuting in theaters this weekend. But for those of you in the right geographic locations, there are a slew of new limited releases to look out for in theaters: "Collaborator," "Crazy Eyes," "The Do-Deca Pentathlon," "The Magic of Belle Isle," "The Pact," "Vampires" and "Starry Starry Night."
Let's get to your new movies crip sheet:
[Related: Find showtimes and tickets for movies near you]
Rated R for strong brutal and grisly violence, some graphic sexuality, nudity, drug use and language throughout.
What's the story?
Turning stereotypical Hollywood chauvinism on its head -- and a whole lot of other, nastier things -- Oliver Stone seemed to have great fun toying with role reversals in "Savages," based on a Don Winslow novel of the same name. Blake Lively plays O, a typical Orange County beach babe looking for fun in the sun and at the mall. The catch is, she has... (wait for it)... two boyfriends. But before you start thinking that's the main focus of this tale, I'll clarify: O's boyfriends, played by Aaron Johnson and Taylor Kitsch, are big-time Southern California marijuana distributors, and the Mexican cartel want in on their action. Led by Salma Hayek, the cartel is powered by extreme tactics executed by her lead henchmen, played by Benicio Del Toro and Demián Bichir. The So. Cal kids are forced to fight evil with evil. The movie, as Stone recently told me himself, is truly "a wild ride." Look for John Travolta's smart performance as a crooked DEA agent.
Who will dig it?
Most reminiscent of Stone's "Natural Born Killers," fans of that film, as well as general Stone fans should enjoy this jolt-to-the-system-movie. People who revel in Tarantino-style action and violence should also find similarity in this in-your-face film.
[Related: Find local showtimes & tickets for 'Savages']
Rated PG for some suggestive content, language, thematic elements and brief smoking.
What's the story?
She let cameras follow her on tour and she liked it. This Katy Perry documentary delves into her childhood, her tight knit relationship with her quirky grandmother and her sister who she describes as "the warden." Shot while her marriage to comedian Russell Brand was crumbling, the film also offers a view into the personal side of that headline-grabbing story. And, oh yeah, it's in 3D!
Who will dig it?
It goes without saying hardcore Katy Perry fans will flock to this film and like it too, but general pop culture and celebrity news fans should also be pleased as punch to see the personal side of Perry and her many colorful get-ups.
[Related: Find local showtimes & tickets for 'Katy Perry: Part of Me']
Rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence.
What's the story?
This Spidey redux goes back to the beginning when Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) fumbles his way through high school, trying to figure out who he is, all the while experiencing his very first crush on Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone). Seeking information about the secret contents of his late father's brief case, Parker unwittingly confides in the wrong person -- Dr. Curt Conners A/K/A The Lizard (Rhys Ifans).
Who will dig it?
Not only fans of the comic book, and not only fans of the prior installment starring Tobey Maguire, but people who liked "500 Days of Summer," also directed by Marc Webb, will enjoy this one, which prominently explores the relationship between Spidey and his first girlfriend. Awww, cute.
[Related: Find local showtimes & tickets for 'The Amazing Spider-Man']
