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.
- Dope – A geek who feels out of step with where he’s from and aspires to move onto greater things, ends up on a chance adventure.
Directed by Rick Famuyiwa (Our Family Wedding, Brown Sugar)
Starring Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, our Babe of the Week Zoë Kravitz
This is apparently a weekend for Sundance success stories between Dope and the two limited releases below. This movie caught my attention back when it premiered at Sundance this year because there was a big bidding war over distribution. It paid off because this got a wide release which feels like really big deal. This just doesn’t look like a lot of other big summer releases. It must be great to have landed this spot. It certainly looks fresh and funny. I like the concept, and if you’ve heard us chatting on the FTS cast, you know that we have talked numerous times about the lack of coming-of-age movies for black teens. I’m looking forward to seeing Shamerik Moore in what people are calling a breakout performance, plus Tony Revolori who was so great in The Grand Budapest Hotel. Can’t wait to check this out. - Inside Out – Inside Riley’s mind are embodied versions of her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. They all control her feelings and are put in a predicament when Riley moves to San Francisco and they have to collectively deal with the change in her life.
Directed by Pete Docter (Up, Monsters Inc) & Ronaldo Del Carmen
Starring Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Mindy Kaling, Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith
Now I’m not one for animated movies (as I always mention whenever I write about one in this guide, that is when I don’t just leave it out completely). I’ve only seen the early Pixar movies, A Bug’s Life, Monster’s Inc, Finding Nemo, and all 3 Toy Story movies. Oh, and like a half hour of The Incredibles. With all the movies available to me I just never seem to pick an animated movie no matter how die-hard the following. This movie would fall under the same umbrella, with only one thing catching my attention – the sweet, funny voicework of Poehler and Kaling. Whenever I hear their voices in TV spots it does catch my attention. Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s enough for me to check this out, but hey maybe when it hits cable I’ll finally add another Pixar movie to my record.
- The Overnight – A new couple in town gets drawn into a night of debauchery after randomly meeting another couple at a playground.
Directed by Patrick Brice
Starring Adam Scott, Taylor Schilling, Jason Schwartzman, Judith Godrèche
Oh my – Adam Scott and Jason Schwartzman in a sex comedy? Why don’t you just throw in a few more of my crushes? Those two alone have me hooked but the trailer has a fun, kinda offbeat vibe that I’m liking as well. It also is fairly secretive as to what all goes down in this romp, which has piqued my curiosity. - Infinitely Polar Bear – A manic depressive father must deal with his responsibilities when he becomes the main caretaker of his two daughters.
Directed & written by Maya Forbes (directorial debut!)
Starring Mark Ruffalo, Zoe Saldana, Imogene Wolodarsky, Ashley Aufderheide
This might not be on my radar if not for Ruffalo. I’ve always thought he was a talented actor and enjoyable to watch, but in the past few years he’s grown even more remarkable and must-see in whatever his current project may be. He has to be one of our most naturalistic actors working currently, and it just impresses the hell out of me (and everyone else I assume). He seems like a perfect fit for this sort of role, where he’s playing a not so likable man dealing with issues and shortcomings in his life. I’m sure he’ll bring complexity to the character and I plan to check it out at some point, but most likely at home.
