Limitless

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Director: Neil Burger

Rating: PG-13

The Bouw-Man.

The concept of “Limitless” is pretty intriguing, but it will remain to be seen whether this will be translated properly on the big screen.  After taking a look at the trailer, it appears to be an action-filled version of John Travolta’s 1996 film “Phenomenon.”  When a person is transformed from ordinary to someone who has mythical powers in a blink of an eye, one usually thinks of a superhero-type film.  “Limitless” does not seem to be a superhero-type film, and thank God for that because there’s way too many of those in the Hollywood realm today.  Hopefully “Limitless” won’t disappoint, and will tell an interesting story of a man who is given a gift that’s beyond anyone’s wildest expectations.  No doubt the powers that be will try to exploit this gift for their own gain, and create a conflict played out before our eyes.

Opening Weekend Gross: $15 Million

Noodles: Prediction

I pick 'Limitless' as the blockbuster of the weekend. There's nothing people like more than seeing the average Joe turned superhero movie. When I saw the concept of a man using 100% of his brain power, I did wonder how the writers were going to make you regret wanting to have that power. From what I understand it makes you really examine if having that much brain power is a gift or a curse. Sign me up!

Opening Weekend Gross: $32 Million

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Paul

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Director: Greg Mottola

Rating: R

The Bouw-Man.

The duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have already made two better than average comedies together with “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz.”  Although both films may not necessarily be “comedy classics,” they were both done in such a clever way that you could deem them memorable.  With their newest edition, “Paul,” they appear to be going a little sillier than with their previous two.  The trailer paints the picture of two geeks who stumble upon a wise-cracking alien while on a road trip to “Area 51.” One can only assume that they will eventually form a bond with the alien (“Paul”), and will help protect him from the government officials trying to capture “Paul.” 

 

The cast appears to be relatively strong with the likes of Jeffrey Tambor, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Sigourney Weaver, Jason Bateman, Jane Lynch and even Steven Spielberg scheduled to make an appearance.  Seth Rogan, who has made a habit of supplying his voice to several animated characters in the past, will no doubt have some funny one-liners with his role as the alien “Paul.”  Like with “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz,” I think it’s safe to bet on Pegg and Frost providing a decent brand of entertainment with “Paul.”  It may not win any awards, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the price of an admissions ticket.

Opening Weekend Gross: $13 Million

Noodles: Prediction

This is a situation where the cast alone makes me think I might like the picture. From the trailer it seems like this would be a straight to DVD throw away comedy if it were anybody but the guys from 'Hot Fuzz' and Seth Rogen starring. As it stands I could think of crazier things to do this weekend than going to see this movie.

Opening Weekend Gross: $17 Million

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The Lincoln Lawyer

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Director: Brad Furman

Rating: R

The Bouw-Man.

Some of the most memorable scenes in movie history have come in a courtroom setting.  I mean, does anybody not stop and watch Tom Cruise/Jack Nicholson square-off in “A Few Good Men” when you come across it flipping through the channels?  Al Pacino’s “You’re out of order” rant in “…And Justice for All” always brings a smile to my face.  However, courtroom dramas/thrillers have been rarity in Hollywood these days.  It may be that there are so many television programs that follow this premise that it would almost seem redundant to make movies regularly on the subject.  It could also be that lately they don’t have a really good track record of making serious money for their studios, so there’s little motivation to produce them.  Whatever the reason, you really have to root for “The Lincoln Lawyer” to be successful is you’re a fan of the genre. 

 

I was reminded of “Primal Fear” when I watched the trailer to “The Lincoln Lawyer.” Matthew McConaughey’s pompous egotistical attorney appears reminiscent of Richard Gere’s Martin Vail.  If “The Lincoln Lawyer” is as profitable as “Primal Fear,” maybe there’s hope for more courtroom dramas/thrillers down the road. There’s also a strong cast (Marisa Tomei, William H. Macy, Ryan Phillippe, Josh Lucas, etc.) here to accompany McConaughey’s leading man role.  McConaughey elevated his status playing a lawyer some 15 years ago in “A Time to Kill.” Maybe he can reinvent himself again, and breakaway from those familiar romantic comedy roles that have dogged his career. 

Opening Weekend Gross: $18.5 Million

Noodles: Prediction

Considering all the buzz on this movie, I think it might actually be worth a damn to watch. My big question is will Matthew be shirtless at all in this picture? That is a cat that loves to show his man nips.

Opening Weekend Gross: $24 Million

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Weekend Results 3/11

Weekend Winner: 

Battle: Los Angeles

Opening Box Office: $36 Million 

Our Predictions:

Noodles - $24 Million 

The Bouw-Man - $35 Million

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#3 at the Box Office: 

Red Riding Hood

Opening Box Office : $14 Million

Our Predictions:

Noodles - $15 Million 

The Bouw-Man - $12 Million

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#4 at the Box Office: 

Movie

Opening Box Office : $6 Million

Our Predictions:

Noodles - $17 Million 

The Bouw-Man - $11 Million

Red Riding Hood

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Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Rating: PG-13

The Bouw-Man.

One would think that it’s a pretty risky proposition to transform a popular children’s story into a film reminiscent of “Twilight,” and direct it toward teens and young adults.  From the preview it appears to be really loud and violent, and looks to play more as a horror film than anything else.  I couldn’t help to be reminded of one of M. Night Shyamalan’s worst, “The Village,” when I was watching the trailer to “Red Riding Hood.”  If it turns out anything like “The Village,” it potentially could be up for a “Razzie” as one of year’s worst.  Amanda Seyfried has been a busy actress over the last year plus.  She has starred in a romantic comedy (“Letters to Juliet”), a romantic drama (“Dear John”), an erotic thriller (“Chloe”) and a high school horror film (“Jennifer’s Body).  Don’t know if any of these, including “Red Riding Hood,” are worth a darn.  However, at least she’s diversifying her film portfolio. 

Opening Weekend Gross: $12.5 Million

Noodles: Prediction

Weirdly stylish enough to be mistaken for a Tim Burton film. This could be a fun concept movie, but I hope it doesn't do too well that we will be forced to see other re-imaginings like Goldilocks and the three bears. However, Jack and the Beanstalk would AWESOOOOOOME!

Opening Weekend Gross: $15 Million

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Mars Needs Moms

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Director: Simon Wells

Rating: PG

The Bouw-Man.

With “Rango” only a week old, and other animated films scheduled to come out in the weeks ahead, I think this one may just fall by the wayside.  From the preview, I have concluded that this is the type of film that kids may very well enjoy.  However, it doesn’t seem to be as “adult-friendly” as other animated features like “Megamind” and “Despicable Me.”  Quite frankly, it looks like it would be very tough for the average adult viewer to sit through (unless you have a childish sense of humor).  The “PG” rating may be the one ray of hope for mothers and fathers who force themselves to the theater to see this for the sake of their children.  There just might be enough to make it bearable.  Just like every other animated film these days, this one is being presented in 3D.  I wish they would give it rest already.  Not every film of this kind is worth the extra fee to see it in 3D.

Opening Weekend Gross: $11 Million

Noodles: Prediction

Another in a long line of movies made to make kids appreciate their parents. Being a parent I get the appeal of parents getting the respect they deserve but I see no need to drag aliens into it. Plus my kids aren't exactly jazzed to go see this, and since its made for them, it doesn't give me much hope for a big opening.

Opening Weekend Gross: $17 Million

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Battle : Los Angeles

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Director: Jonathan Liebesman

Rating: PG-13

The Bouw-Man.

With “Battle: Los Angeles” we have our latest installment of a disaster movie where aliens from another planet threaten to eliminate the human race here on earth.  Different versions of this type of scenario have been played out in films for years, but “Independence Day” was probably the most successful of its kind (in terms of what it made at the box office).  The usual systematic formula for “disaster” or “alien invasion” blockbuster films is usually tremendous special effects, with a flimsy story and poor dialogue.  2009’s “District 9” is a recent example of an “alien” film that defied the odds and actually was pretty strong in all accounts.  However, my gut is telling me this will be more like “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (weak in all accounts), than “District 9.”  Whether it’s a good film or not, I think “Battle: Los Angeles” will do at least OK at the box office.  There have been so many bad “disaster” films that have made a lot of money (“2012,” “Day After Tomorrow,” “Armageddon,” etc.), that it’s hard to bet against this genre.

Opening Weekend Gross: $35 Million

Noodles: Prediction

I was more excited about this film when I thought it was rated R. I'm a big fan of alien invasion flicks but this one looked gritty and raw at first glace. Now that I see the rating I feel like I'm going to have to sit through a film made for an adult audience that caters to he kiddies enough where the big bad marine will say things like "Holy Smoke." Thanks but no thanks.

Opening Weekend Gross: $24 Million

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