Movies You Have to See

After hearing about the movies hitting theatres soon, you might say to yourself “Will Hollywood ever stop recycling old stories and come up with something new?”  But don’t write them off just yet.  This week, we’ll take a look at two novel expressions of classic tales and a relatable comedy with a lot to live up to.

Jack the Giant Slayer (March 1):   “Warm Bodies” and “X-Men: First Class” cutie Nicholas Hoult stars as Jack in this new take on an old tale.  In “Jack the Giant Slayer,” an ancient war resurfaces between humans and giants while Jack, a young farmhand, accompanies the king’s elite guard, including Elmont, played by Ewan McGregor (“Moulin Rouge!” and “Star Wars”), to save Jack’s love, Princess Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson)..  The film also stars “The Hunger Games’” Stanley Tucci as the advisor to the king and the movie’s main villain.   Movie websites like IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes are overflowing with movie critics excited about “Jack the Giant Slayer.”  And, I must say, I don’t disagree with them.  While filmmakers really seem set on making every single fairy-tale ever into a new dramatic movie with a twist, you do have to give them some credit.  Know why?  Because it works.  The film appeals to my inner nerd on so many levels, with great fantasy special effects, endless action and a fairy-tale love story.  I will definitely be lined-up with the rest of the Carrollton nerds to see “Jack the Giant Slayer” on opening night.

21 and Over (March 1):  From the writers of “The Hangover” comes this year’s most anticipated comedy thus far.  With the writers of “The Hangover,” it’s practically impossible for this film not to be a hit, especially for college students.  Though outrageous and wild, “21 and Over” will be a movie that many of us can to relate to.  A bright student, Jeff Chang (“Twilight’s” Justin Chon), reluctantly celebrates his 21^st birthday with his two best friends, Miller (“Project X’s” Miles Teller) and Casey (“Pitch Perfect’s” Skylar Astin), the night before his big medical school exam.  This movie’s interesting combination of actors is actually very reminiscent of “The Hangover,” making me even more excited for the film’s debut.  I know I really shouldn’t keep comparing this film to “The Hangover,” as it may not live up the comedy hit’s reputation, but it is what it is.  Thus, I am deeming “21 and Over” as “’The Hangover’ for Twenty-Somethings.”

Oz the Great and Powerful (March 8):  I’ve been looking forward to this movie for months now.    “Oz the Great and Powerful” acts as a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” where a carnival magician, Oscar Diggs (James Franco), is whisked away to the fantasy land of Oz.  Oscar meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who ask him for help against the evil that is corrupting their land.  Not only does this film have an all-star cast, but this film is also directed by Sam Raimi (“The Evil Dead” and “Drag Me to Hell”) and written by Disney, making “Oz the Great and Powerful” probably the weirdest combination of everything amazing that I have ever heard.  It’s hard to imagine a movie where a cult-horror director and classic childhood happiness can combine and not turn out completely awful, but I think “Oz the Great and Powerful” will indeed live up to movie-goers anticipation and excitement.

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