Associated Press
Puppets, triangle love stories and other worldy characters abound in the latest wave of movies released this weekend.
Everyman John Krasinski pairs up with Ginnifer Goodwin and Kate Hudson in the romantic comedy “Something Borrowed,” a tale of two friends in love with the same guy, and the repercussions thereof.
For moviegoers with more dramatic tastes, Mel Gibson’s latest film, “The Beaver,” tells the story of one man in the depths of despair and his only way of coping with it.
Here is a rundown of this weekend’s movies.
Something Borrowed (PG-13)
What it’s about: “Something Borrowed” is a love-triangle involving perpetual good-girl Rachel, a bookish law school student, who falls in love with the love of her life, Dex. When Rachel’s outspoken best friend, Darcy, steals Dex for herself, Rachel steps back and accepts it. Almost ten years later, she has to watch as her best friend marries the love of her life.
Why you should see it: The all-star cast brings popular and successful actors to the screen, including the funny everyman John Krasinski, who plays Rachel’s blabbermouth friend. The naive, innocent personality of Ginnifer Goodwin’s character and the loud rambunctiousness of Kate Hudson’s character brings a more ironic tone to the movie, which is sure to make the audience think, “How did they become best friends?”
Starring: Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin, John Krasinski, John Egglesfield and Steve Howey.
Thor (PG-13)
What it’s about: Thor, the prince of an ancient and distant world, is banished to Earth to learn the meaning of humility. As he assimilates himself into his new surroundings, he becomes friends with the friendly group of human beings who take him in. As he learns of his home planet’s efforts to take over Earth, though, he prepares to fight the very forces that sent him to Earth to protect his friends.
Why you should see it: The movie balances it’s main action-adventure element with more humorous moments: At one point, Thor drinks his first cup of coffee, likes it and declares he wants another before shattering the cup on the ground. Not to mention this is Natalie Portman’s fourth movie to be released in the past four-and-a-half months.
Starring: Natalie Portman, Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgard and Tadanobu Asano.
The Beaver (PG-13)
What it’s about: Walter Black, after his wife breaks up with him and kicks him out of their house, sinks into a deep depression that he can’t pull himself out of. As he loses each aspect of his life, even his ability to communicate, he finds the only way he can voice his thoughts is by using a beaver puppet. The changes that result from the only way he can express himself propel him to stardom, and bring about positive changes in his life.
Why you should see it: Despite the fact that Mel Gibson’s character has to use a puppet to communicate with the rest of the world, there’s a sense that the puppet itself is real. The acting itself is a reason to go see the movie, as Mel Gibson’s portrayal of a horribly depressed man carries most of the emotional weight in the movie.
Starring: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Jennifer Lawrence, Anton Yelchin and Cherry Jones.