Movies for thrill-seekers, girly-girls and those who like to laugh
Photos from Associated Press
This weekend, local theaters are juggling films that cater to all tastes.
Whether you prefer thrillers like “The Rite” or quirky, slightly perverse movies like “Kaboom,” moviegoers of all kinds are likely to find something to suit their cinematic tastes.
There are also films that cater to specific genders. “From Prada to Nada” is aimed at women, as made apparent in the title. “The Mechanic,” a remake of the 1972 film, features car explosions and big guns—clearly a guy’s favorite.
Here is this weekend’s movie lineup.
From Prada to Nada (PG-13)
What it’s about: Two sisters, Nora and Mary, grow up in a privileged home where they were never wanted for anything. Though they’re Mexican, they are so far removed from their heritage that they don’t fully acknowledge their ancestry from the outset. When their father dies unexpectedly, they find that they are left with nothing. They take refuge in the home of their estranged aunt, who introduces them to what it means to be a real family.
Why you should see it: Mary, who displays quite a few self-sufficient qualities, butts heads with Nora, who revels in the luxurious setting she and Mary were raised in. The culture shock Nora experiences adds another layer to the movie to illustrate the mingling of cultures.
Starring: Alexa Vega, Camilla Bell, Nicholas D’Agosto, Wilmer Valderrama and April Bowlby.
Kaboom (NA)
What it’s about: Smith, a young film student, starts having freaky dreams. As the imaginary people he dreams about start to make their way into his waking life, he starts to suspect that something else is going on. This movie, though it features weird, quirky occurrences, was a favorite at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.
Why you should see it: If random, out-of-the-ordinary movies are your thing, this movie is for you. But be warned: It’s definitely risqué and not for moviegoers with delicate sensibilities.
Starring: Thomas Decker, Haley Bennett, Roxane Mesquida, Chris Zylka, and Juno Temple.
The Mechanic (R)
What it’s about: Professional assassin Arthur Bishop specializes in assassinations that look like accidents. No muss, no fuss, he was never there. Although he works alone, he agrees to teach a friend of one of his former victim the tricks of the trade. Steve McKenna, Bishop’s new apprentice, wants the life of an assassin ”” which he gets, until he screws up his first job. Big explosions and gunfights ensue.
Why you should see it: The original 1972 version of the film starring Charles Bronson has quite a following. Fans of the 39-year-old version will definitely get a kick out of the remake directed by Simon West.
Starring: Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Tony Goldwyn, Donald Sutherland, Jeff Chase and Mini Anden.
The Rite (R)
What it’s about: Michael Kovak, a young seminary student, begrudgingly goes to exorcism school at the Vatican, despite the fact he’s lost his faith. In Rome he meets Father Lucas Trevant, who attempts to show him the dark underbelly of Catholicism by proving the devil exists. Kovak witnesses different exorcisms performed by Father Lucas, often walking away confused.
Why you should see it: Exorcism movies have a very specific audience. If you liked The Last Exorcism and The Exorcism of Emily Rose, you’ll like this one too. Anthony Hopkins stars in this one, which might open up the audience a little more-but not much.
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Alice Braga, Colin O’Donoghue, Ciaran Hinds, Rutger Hauer and Toby Jones.