1. THE HANGOVER: PART III (R)
RUSS
The wolf pack is back for another round of debauchery in “The Hangover, Part III.” This episode plays a bit more like a violent crime flick than a raunchy comedy, but manages to wring a few more laughs out of a tired premise.
SHAWN
What laughs? Easily the worst and weakest of the three Hangover movies. Number three completely abandons the premise that made the first a classic and the second some what tolerable.
RUSS
While it can’t match the crude insanity of the original, part 3 is an improvement over the derivative part 2 and Melissa McCarthy’s appearance in a brief supporting role is a welcome addition.
SHAWN
It’s too dark and violent. And making Ken Jeong as Mr. Chow the focus is a huge misstep. The bonus material includes The Wolfpack’s Wildest Stunts, Inside Focus: The Real Chow and Zach Galifianakis In His Own Words.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 0 Popcorn Bags
2. AFTER EARTH (PG-13)
PG-13
Columbia
RUSS
Superstar Will Smith takes second billing to his son Jaden in the big budget sci-fi opus, “After Earth.” Their charisma and box office prowess are put to the test in this well produced thriller.
SHAWN
“After Earth” is well-produced and a visionary sci-fi flick but something just didn’t click.
RUSS
The Smiths play father and son astronauts who survive a crash landing on Earth 1,000 years after humanity was forced to evacuate our home planet.
SHAWN
That’s it. It’s all a bit weird and too sci-fi.
RUSS
The Smiths’ personal appeal is undeniable. But in this age of big screen razzle-dazzle, “After Earth” seems a bit generic and routine. It’s entertaining, but the memory of “”After Earth” may fade soon after viewing.
SHAWN
I disagree. It isn’t generic at all. Perhaps a bit too sophisticated and complicated. And perhaps a future classic. Gotta let this one breath. not much in the extras department. Only three featurettes.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
3. THE PURGE (R)
RUSS
The horror flick “The Purge” takes place in the near future, when murder is legal one night per year. The ideas introduced are intriguing, but the filmmaking descends into horror clichés.
SHAWN
Great premise. Awful movie. Man if they had nailed the execution this would of been one heck of a flick.
RUSS
It’s genuinely creepy, but in spite of its obvious pretensions, “The Purge” is nothing more than a celebration of violence masquerading as social commentary.
SHAWN
I can’t disagree.
RUSS: 2 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 2 Popcorn Bags
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