In theaters this weekend are a couple of of big new releases, despite the fact that we're still in the traditionally slow part of the year. One is The Lego Movie, from Waner Bros., which is getting astonishingly stellar reviews, and is set to make a killing at the box office this weekend. Already the most acclaimed animated film since Toy Story 3 (sitting at 97% on Rotten Tomatoes), that's definitely the one to see:
"What could have easily been test-marketed, corporate-processed crap...instead becomes a surprisingly enjoyable and dense family entertainment that pays tribute to the spirit of free play and individuality." (Salon)
"It's fast and original, it's conceptually audacious, it's visually astonishing, and it's 10 times more clever than it needed to be. Here, at last, is an animated comedy that never stops surprising you." (EW)
"This isn't just the funniest PG-rated animation in too long; it's the funniest film, period, in months..." (Chicago Tribune)
Another big opener this weekend is George Clooney's The Monuments Men, which was delayed from an original Christmas release date until February, and unfortunately, the buzz on this one is not so great (32% on RT). It hasn't been completely trashed, but the consensus seems to be that it's surprisingly boring and doesn't quite know what kind of movie it wanted to be:
"There's lots of information, some nice images, plenty of earnest sermonizing about culture, and almost no suspense, or tension, or character development, or structure. Or, well, art." (NPR)
"Earnest and well-intentioned but ultimately inert, 'The Monuments Men' talks a better game than it can deliver." (LA Times)
"Clooney's movie is a slow-witted, occasionally agreeable retread of numerous WWII band-of-brothers flicks its director no doubt watched on TV as a 1970's teenager." (Salon)
And then there's Vampire Academy, which wasn't screened for critics before its release (never a good sign), and judging from what early word does exist, is also pretty much a bomb. So, it looks like Lego Movie is your best bet this weekend, unless you just want to stay home and watch the Olympics, but judging by the excitement surrounding a welcome original movie for once, I'd check it out. This could be a surprise smash, and a very early contender for Best Animated Feature next year.
Trailer for The Lego Movie:
