Weekend Watch (May 30th-June 1st)

Hi everybody, Dave here with another edition of Weekend Watch. This weekend's lineup features a retelling of a classic fairytale, going up against the comic genius of Seth MacFarlane and the old west.

Up first: "Maleficent"



Synopsis: “Maleficent,” the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic “Sleeping Beauty,” reveals the events that hardened Maleficent’s heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora, only to later realize that the child may hold the key to peace in the land.

It's Angelina Jolie, looking almost evil, in a Disney classic remake. The movie also stars Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, and Miranda Richardson. The CGI is rampant throughout this trailer and presumably throughout the movie, with an almost "Alice in Wonderland," meets "Snow White and the Huntsman" feel.

Verdict: I enjoy a good retelling of a classic story, especially one as unique as from the perspective of a notorious villain - but there's just something, I don't know, missing. It could just be my own cynical mind telling me, "Uhm, you know how this story ends, right?"


Next up: "A Million Ways to Die in the West"



Synopsis: When a mysterious and beautiful woman rides into town, she helps him find his courage and they begin to fall in love

If slapstick comedy is more your style this weekend, then look no further than Seth MacFarlane's "A Million Ways to Die in the West". I can take "action comedy" for a little while; you know, the kind of "comedy" that movies like "Jack Ass" bring us; but after an hour or two hours of people doing stupid stunts just to get a laugh - I'm done. I really hope that's not how this movie's going to pan out because there's such an amazing cast: Seth MacFarlane, Charlize Theron, Amanda Seyfried, Giovanni Ribisi, Neil Patrick Harris, and even Sarah Silverman.

Verdict: I have my worries but don't let that stop you from seeing this movie in theaters. For the times you find yourself board of the movie (if ever) you'd probably be too busy laughing at other people.

**Warning, the following may contain material not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised**

*Finally we have: "Filth"



Synopsis: Detective Sergeant Bruce Robertson wants a promotion. He is clearly the best man for the job. Annoyingly, there's been a murder and Bruce's boss wants results.

I'm all for these kind of "underground," indie type of movies, but this - this is simply nuts! Basically following a day in the life of Bruce Robertson (James McAvoy) as he goes about his "police business," with much needed quotation marks. I've watched this trailer twice now and I'm still not really sure what to make of it. McAvoy is amazing to watch though, and with his performance in "First Class," and last weekend's "Days of Future Past," he just keeps getting better. The movie also stars: Jamie Bell, Eddie Marsan, Jim Broadbent, and Imogen Poots.

Verdict: Honestly, I wouldn't watch this in the theater, but possibly at home, long after my food has settled.