1. JERSEY BOYS (R)
Warner Brothers
RUSS
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons had dozens of Top 40 hits in the 60s and 70s, selling over 100 million records worldwide. “Jersey Boys,” the Broadway musical that brought their story to the stage became a smash in 2005 and continues to tour internationally. Now, the film adaptation has arrived in cinemas directed by…Clint Eastwood? Yes, Dirty Harry chronicles the trials and tribulations of the group’s rise and fall, performed mostly by veterans of the stage version.
SHAWN
“Jersey Boys” is a conventional dud. Neither exciting or boring, it just sort of exists. You sort of get the feelingthat you have seen all of this before. And you have.
RUSS
The backstage story is very episodic and awkwardly paced, but when the music is flowing, “Jersey Boys” rocks. The talented cast members do a proficient job of recreating the distinctive Four Seasons sound. “Jersey Boys” is a corny melodrama, propped up and energized by tunes guaranteed to get your feet tapping.
SHAWN
“Jersey Boys” isn’t terrible, but ultimately unsatisfying. So is the bounus material. Next..
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 2 Popcorn Bags
2) HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (PG)
20th Century Fox
RUSS
Movie sequels rarely measure up to the original. People relish films like “The Godfather, Part 2” and “Aliens” precisely because they’re the rare follow-ups that exceeded their predecessors. “How to Train Your Dragon 2” may qualify for that recognition, as well.
SHAWN
yes, “Dragon 2” is right on par with the original. “2” is fun and fresh and succeeds thanks to terrific storytelling and dazzling animation.
RUSS
The filmmakers created some memorable flying sequences in the first film and they’ve managed to outdo themselves this time around. The animation is breathtaking, especially on the big screen, and this one might actually be worth a few dollars more to see it in 3-D. Although it may be a little too scary for very young kids, “How to Train Your Dragon 2” is an imaginative and exciting family thrill ride.
SHAWN
It is thrilling. And loaded with really cool bonus material.
RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
- TAMMY (R)
Warner Brothers
RUSS
Melissa McCarthy is an extremely talented comic actress known for the sharp improvisation skills she’s demonstrated in movies like “Bridesmaids” and “The Heat.” She finally gets screen credit for writing “Tammy,” a very uneven and sometimes vulgar comedy about a lovable loser who goes on a road trip with her grandma, played by Susan Sarandon.
SHAWN
“Tammy” is flat out bad. One of the worst of the year. Melissa McCarthy isn’t funny. The script is poorly written and structered. And the the execution is amateurish.
RUSS
There isn’t a plausible moment in the movie, but the terrific cast members do the best they can to enliven the silly material. While it works sporadically, “Tammy” is a disappointing slip-up on McCarthy’s resume.
SHAWN
This movie is just bad. The extras include an extended cut. Why? And a gag reel. Why? wasn’t the entire movie a gag?
RUSS: 2 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 0 Popcorn Bags
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