Weekend film releases feature comedy, family entertainment
A raunchy comedy (“Bad Teacher”), a family film (“Cars 2”) and an awaited documentary (“Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop”) are among the releases arriving for this first weekend of summer. An awaited follow-up (“Transformers: Dark of the Moon”) will arrive June 29.
For complete descriptions, critical evaluations of previewed films, and explanations of the Motion Picture Association of America ratings in terms of violence, language and sexual content, please refer to the Movie Capsules in Friday’s ToDo section.
The films scheduled for this weekend are:
“Bad Teacher,” with Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel and Justin Timberlake in a raunchy R-rated comedy about a foul-mouthed teacher who causes problems among the faculty members after she is dumped by her wealthy older boyfriend and begins to upset the life of a down-to-earth instructor. Jake Kasdan (“Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story”) directed.
“Buck,” with Buck Brannaman as the subject of a PG-rated documentary about an American cowboy who’s a horse whisperer and teaches people to communicate with their stallions through leadership and sensitivity, not punishment. Cindy Meehl made her directing debut.
“Cars 2,” with Owen Wilson, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer and Larry the Cable Guy providing the voices for the computer-animated vehicles that travel overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix. John Lasseter and Brad Lewis co-directed the colorful G-rated sequel.
“Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop,” with the late-night host in an R-rated documentary that follows him on a 32-city music-and-comedy tour after he loses “The Tonight Show” to Jay Leno. The subject discusses how he feels about the very public separation from NBC and greets guests such as Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart and Jim Carrey. Rodman Flender (“Idle Hands”) directed.
“Rejoice and Shout,” with Smokey Robinson and Mavis Staples featured in a PG-rated documentary that traces the evolution of gospel music through its many styles. Don McGlynn (“The Howlin’ Wolf Story”) directed.
“Viva Riva!” with Patsha Bay Mukana in an R-rated import about a guy who makes a major financial score, returns to his hometown of Kinshasa Congo, and then falls for a beautiful nightclub regular who’s the kept woman of a tough local mobster. Djo Munga made his directing debut.
June 29
“Transformers: Dark of the Moon – 3-D,” with Shia LaBeouf returning with the colorful shape-changing toys for another multimillion-dollar PG-13 assault on the senses. Michael Bay directed for the third time.
Philly films spotlighted
On June 27, Delran resident Irv Slifkin will present a free program based on his book “Filmadelphia: A Celebration of a City’s Movies.” The publication showcases the films, television shows, and artists that have called the City of Brotherly Love their home.
The 7 p.m. event is presented by the Friends of the Fox Chase Library, 501 Rhawn St. in Philadelphia. For more information, go to http://libwww.freelibrary.org/branches/branch.cfm?loc=FOX or call 215-685-0547.
At the Buck$ Office
“Lantern” saw some “Green” at the box office last weekend.
“Green Lantern,” starring Ryan Reynolds, opened with $52.7 million. That’s a solid, but far from sensational opening for the PG-13 comic-book adaptation.
It was followed in the distance by “Super 8.” In its second week of release, the PG-13 dark fantasy, produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by J.J. Abrams, grossed $21.2 million.
Jim Carrey’s fans didn’t turn out in force for “Mr. Popper’s Penguins.” The PG-rated family film opened with $18.2 million.
According to the Internet Movie Database, the top-10 films last weekend were:
1. “Green Lantern” ($52.7 million)
2. “Super 8” ($21.2 million)
3. “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” ($18.2 million)
4. “X-Men: First Class” ($11.5 million)
5. “The Hangover Part II” ($9.63 million)
6. “Kung Fu Panda 2” ($8.7 million)
7. “Bridesmaids” ($7.49 million)
8. “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” ($6.24 million)
9. “Midnight in Paris” ($5.24 million)
10. “Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer” ($2.24 million)
Gaul on the Radio
My “At the Movies” radio segment will air live at 11:35 a.m. Friday as part of “The Dom Giordano Show” (WPHT-AM/1210 and www.thebigtalker1210.com).
The broadcast will include discussions of newly released movies and DVDs as well as motion picture news and trends.
A different version of my “At the Movies” segment can be heard on Burlington County College radio station WBZC-FM/88.9, 95.1 and 100.7 on Fridays at 8:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. and on Saturdays at 10:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. The show can also be heard online at www.z889.org.
Gaul on the Web
My film reviews, features and columns can be read under entertainment/movies on our website, www.phillyBurbs.com.
Lou Gaul can be reached at 609-871-8055 or lgaul@phillyBurbs.com.