Each weekend at the box office varies, as some weeks the movies are just filler, and others they’re a phenomenon waiting to happen. I have to admit, my inner-loathing of actor John Cusack has made it hard for me to get excited about “Hot Tub Time Machine,” but there are a couple lesser films I’m actually looking forward to this week.
Critics are calling “How to Train Your Dragon” (PG), the must-see movie of 2010. A DreamWorks animation, “How to Train Your Dragon” tells the story of a young Viking teenager who wants to impress his father and become a Dragon fighter. When he comes upon an injured dragon, he discovers dragons can be trained, which could change future relations between humans and dragons.
The aforementioned “Hot Tub Time Machine” (R) tells the story of four burned out best friends down on their like and tired of their lives. After a hard night of drinking, they fall asleep in a mystical, spa resort hot tub and wake up in 1986. With an opportunity to alter the past, they can make their future better, but with every change they wreak serious havoc.
One of my all-time favorite actors, Sean Bean stars in the drama/thriller “Ca$h” (R). When a struggling young couple finds a case filled with cash, they start to think their lives are about to get better. The owner of the case shows up to teach them nothing in life is ever free, leading to a crazed chase through the streets of Chicago. I hadn’t even heard about this movie, and it’s limited release right now, but I’ll be scouring the nearby cities for it. Sean Bean is reason enough for me to watch a movie. I know, I’m so shallow.
“Chloe” (R), starring Julianne Moore and Liam Neeson is a remake of a classic thriller about a successful woman who hires a female escort to seduce her husband. Questioning his fidelity, one seductive turn leads to another until the wife finds herself caught in the web of her own dangerous game. Also on limited release, check theatres in your city for availability.
If none of these peak your interest, there are still some great films in the theatre right now, like “Alice and Wonderland,” “Repo Men” and “The Bounty Hunter.” Get out of the house this weekend, and head to the movies!
