1) DRAFT DAY (PG-13)
Summit Entertainment
RUSS: From “Bull Durham” to “Field of Dreams” and “Tin Cup,” Kevin Costner is known for sports movies. His latest, “Draft Day” is a sports movie…with no sports in it. It’s like an old Hollywood backstage drama, but the action takes place in NFL front offices. It’s manipulative and obvious, but it’s also surprisingly involving. You don’t need to be a football fan to enjoy the fantasy, but it helps.
Shawn says,”‘Draft Day’ is a touchdown but you totally have to be a football fan to enjoy it. It’s solid. Well written. Well directed…although a bit dry. Unless ‘SportsCenter’ is the first thing you watch in the mornings it isn’t for you.”
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
2) OCULUS (R)
Relativity Media
RUSS: If you enjoyed horror flicks like “The Ring” and “Insidious,” you might find the creepfest, “Oculus” to your liking. A young woman sets out to prove that her parents were murdered 11 years earlier by a supernatural entity housed in a haunted mirror. Well acted and sharply edited, “Oculus” is a familiar genre flick, but should appeal to those who enjoy a few good jolts.
Shawn says, “Good old fashion effect thrills. A bit ‘sublime’ but scary enough to satisfy horror fans.”
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
3) RIO 2 (G)
20th Century Fox
RUSS: If you saw the animated flick, “Rio,” then you know what you’re in for with “Rio 2.” It’s beautifully animated, tuneful and fairly bland.
Shawn says, “It’s playful, energetic and fun. Just as delightful as the first one. The real appeal is the music and gorgeous animation. Talk about a celebration of culture.”
RUSS: 2 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
4) THE UNKNOWN KNOWN (PG-13)
Radius/TWC
RUSS: In the new documentary “The Unknown Known,” director Errol Morris interviews one of the most highly praised and highly vilified figures of our time, former Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld. The result is a frustrating quagmire of obfuscation as Rumsfeld dances around the questions revealing only what is self-serving. Perhaps the most fascinating thing about the film is Rumsfeld’s assertion that one can never know when a correct decision has been made.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
ALSO OPENING THIS WEEK: The Middle of the Map film festival takes place April 16 through he 20th at the Alamo Drafthouse. The event features a diverse array of film, special guests and parties. More information is available at www.middleofthemapfest.com.
“The Lunchbox” is a romantic drama from India about the power of food. “The Raid 2” is an over-the-top sequel to the violent 2011 martial arts epic. “Rob the Mob” is a crime thriller starring Ray Romano and Andy Garcia.
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