boyhood  Here to take a look at the films coming out in wide and limited release this coming weekend. I’ll give you my thoughts to help you decide what’s worth checking out.

wide

  • Dawn of the Planet of the Apes – So I have some catching up to do. Despite all the unexpected but universal praise for Rise of the Planet of the Apes, I still haven’t caught it. This sequel has been getting even higher praise so now I’m feeling especially left out. Reading this interview about how Matt Reeves completely made the film his own completely got me hooked. It sounds very interesting and a step above a popcorn flick.

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limited

  • Boyhood – This is absolutely one of my most anticipated films this year. If you’re unfamiliar, Richard Linklater filmed one boy over the course of 12 years with Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as his parents. It covers how the boy grew up and the years passing by the family. That concept is entirely unique, like nothing we’ve seen on film before. I look forward to a singular experience like this one. The fact that it’s had such a positive reaction shows it’s not just a gimmick either.
    Available in select theaters.
  • A Long Way Down – I’ve been waiting to see Aaron Paul do something that’s a little less troubled, a little more fun loving or lighthearted. It’s pretty odd that the closest thing to it so far is one in which he plays a suicidal guy. The concept is that Paul, Imogen Poots, Pierce Brosnan, and Toni Collette all meet on a roof top as they all are attempting to commit suicide. Instead of going forward with it they bond and form a little rag tag group as they all face their issues. The trailer looks unfortunately quite corny and nothing to get excited about. However, it’s based on a Nick Hornby book who’s film adaptations have a decent track record. Could possibly be worth the watch but my expectations aren’t too high.
    Available through Video on Demand and in select theaters.

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watching