Best New Movie Bets: July 11 | 'Affluenza'

Best New Bet: "Affluenza"

It’s the buzzword and portmanteau (affluence + influenza) which the Oxford Dictionary defines as “a psychological malaise supposedly affecting wealthy young people, symptoms of which include a lack of motivation, feelings of guilt, and a sense of isolation.”

Despite the bastion of films that center on the young and wealthy, there seems to be no limit to people’s fascination for the secretive world of the 1 percent. “Affluenza” comes from Kevin Asch, the director of the affecting “Holy Rollers”. His latest revolves around a group of teens in 2008 as their lives collide and entangle over the course of a stormy summer.

Asch has assembled a cast of young Hollywood’s rising talent. Nicola Peltz from “Bates Motel” and the most recent “Transformers” sequel; stars as the aim of the film's male affection. While, the lead of the forthcoming CW series “The Flash” and “Glee” alum Grant Gustin stars opposite Gregg Sulkin (“Pretty Little Liars”) as they compose the male contingent at the center of the film’s love triangle. That is at least, what the trailer indicates. “Affluenza” is an independent film so hoping it breaks new ground with its approach is a realistic expectation to have.
  
Also Opening: Jason Clarke takes over the leading man reigns from James Franco in the latest installment of the “Planet of the Apes” franchise. The CGI for "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" has been universally praised and the box office expectations are placing it as the weekend champ.

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