Johnny Depp plays a lizard and Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Associated Press
Last weekend, probably the saddest weekend in the history of local movie theaters, brought a new round of Bieber Fever to Fresno and glamorized satanic cults.
Fortunately, four new films are coming out today, hopefully flushing out the horror that hit the big screen last week.
Here is a rundown of this weekend’s movies.
Rango (PG)
What it’s about: Rango, a lizard with identity issues, has lived his whole life as a family pet. When he gets lost in the desert on an adventure gone wrong, he finds himself in the tiny podunk town of Dirt. In his new home, he gets thrust into the role of the town sheriff ”” complete with hat and gun. Through all the trials and tribulations of transforming from a cowardly lizard to a town hero, he realizes that though he can blend in, he was born to stand out.
You should see it if: You like a good old-fashioned comedy. Marketed to families and little kids, “Rango” is just what a comedy should be: funny, without gross or racy jokes.
Starring: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin, Bill Nighy and Alfred Molina.
The Adjustment Bureau (PG-13)
What it’s about: David Norris, an up-and-coming congressman, meets a beautiful young ballerina named Elise. After a date or two, David thinks he may just be falling for her ”” until he sees something he’s not supposed to see. An obscure group of spies who call themselves the Adjustment Bureau don’t like David’s relationship with Elise.
This new little love affair that they did not anticipate threatens their plan to make sure the world functions smoothly. As David and Elise grow closer, the Adjustment Bureau goes to greater and greater lengths to drive them apart.
You should see it if: You’re into intelligent dramas. Though “The Adjustment Bureau” qualifies as a sci-fi love story, the sci-fi element doesn’t get kitschy. No spaceships and the like in this one ”” the smooth acting and flawless storyline serve to enhance the question, “Is there really free will?” Philosophy majors, have a ball.
Starring: Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Anthony Mackie, John Slattery and Shohreh Aghdashloo.
Beastly (PG-13)
What it’s about: Kyle Kingson, a rich and popular high school student, is handsome and adored by all at his school ”” until a classmate casts a spell on him. The spell he’s forced to live under transfigures him into a disfigured, ugly being that his father despises. As Kyle is banished to a Brooklyn apartment, he falls into an unexpected friendship with a girl named Lindy. His new and only friend holds the key to breaking the spell, which can only be lifted when he finds someone to love him for who he is.
You should see it if: Good love stories make you cry. While it is geared toward high school kids, this fresh new take on the classic “Beauty and the Beast” story brings new life to an old tale. Even moviegoers who aren’t fans of Vanessa Hudgens will appreciate her role in a tale that is truly as old as time.
Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Alex Pettyfer, Peter Krause, Mary-Kate Olson and Neil Patrick Harris.
Take Me Home Tonight (R)
What it’s about: Matt Franklin, a recent MIT graduate, stuns family and friends alike by moving home to Sherman Oaks and taking a job at the town video store. Rebelling against his pending adulthood grinds to a screeching halt when his old childhood buddies and an unrequited high school crush talk him into going to a party. Dance-offs, grand theft auto and other shenanigans occur, deciding the course of not just Matt’s life but the lives of his friends.
You should see it if: You like a good eighties flashback movie. If you think Frankie goes to Hollywood and Vuarnet’s sunglasses were the epitome of cool, this movie is for you.
Starring: Topher Grace, Anna Faris, Dan Fogler, Teresa Palmer and Chris Pratt.