Best New Bet: "The
Giver"
Lois Lowry’s 1993 children novel gets the film treatment in this
adaptation directed by Philip Noyce (who helmed the exceptional 1989 thriller
“Dead Calm” among others). “The Giver” centers on a radical society in which
there are no emotional variances (peaks and valleys), in an attempt to quell
human tensions for a manufactured utopia. When young Jonas (newcomer Brenton
Thwaites) becomes the “receiver of knowledge” he is mentored by The Giver (Jeff
Bridges) which leads to a possible societal shake up.
There have been a few changes made to the original novel,
such as the lead character Jonas being aged from 11 to the more cinematically
opportune 16. “The Giver” is anchored by veteran talents, the stupendous Jeff
Bridges and Oscar titan Meryl Streep, who takes on a sinister role as the film’s
villain.
“True Blood” star Alexander Skarsgard is also in the mix along with music
superstar Taylor Swift, in a hopefully more fleshed out role than her part in “Valentine’s
Day”. For readers who’ve longed to see the book come to life, it’s been a considerable
waiting period and meeting loyal fans’ expectations could prove challenging. For
non-readers it’s a chance to take in yet another movie revolving around
teenagers battling a dystopian (or in this case “utopian”) society.
Also Opening:
“The Expendables 3” Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham are
back with the latest installment in the “Expendables” franchise and they’ve
brought another bevy of 80’s and 90’s action stars with them; including Wesley
Snipes, Antonio Banderas and Harrison Ford. While some viewers might be worn
out by the premise, it has yet to get boring, personally. A chance to see a
multitude of these nostalgic stars in one movie and in some cases, squaring off
for the first time, still elicits excitement.
"Let's Be Cops" stars FOX's "New Girl" co-stars Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. as a pair of buddies who decide to fake being cops after being in costume for a sorority party gets them mistaken for the real thing. Buddy movies can often give way to some hilarious hi-jinks and it's directed by Luke Greenfield who brought audiences the raunchy 2004 comedy "The Girl Next Door" so it sounds promising.