1. White House Down (Sony/Columbia, 3,222, 131 Minutes, Rated PG-13): Stop me if this is familiar. The White House is under attack and there is only one man who can save the president. Thing is, no one thinks he’s got what it takes. But, against all odds, he takes down the terrorists and saves the day.
I know what you might be saying: “they’re re-releasing Olympus Has Fallen again?” No, this is the year’s SECOND White House in peril film. This one seems more Die Hard-y of the two, with Channing Tatum stripped down to an A-line undershirt and having to rescue his daughter who is being held hostage on a tour inside the building.
Olympus Has Fallen made more than twice its budget back internationally. Did that film’s early advantage sate the movie going public’s desire to see the White House under attack, or was that film just an appetizer for this film’s main course? We shall see.
2. The Heat (FOX, 3,181 Theaters, 117 Minutes, Rated R): Stop me if this is familiar. Melissa McCarthy plays a loud, boisterous force of nature who is forced to spend time with an uptight, straight-laced person. As the pair strives towards a common goal, they might find some middle ground–if they don’t kill each other first!
Okay, so McCarthy is operating on the opposite side of the law here than she did in Identity Thief, and the film, which reunites her with her with her Bridesmaids director Paul Feig, has more in common with the cop-buddy films than any of her prior work, but it’s safe to say that McCarthy has found her niche.
That’s all well and good, but how about the next time around, she plays a normal person? You know, the kind that doesn’t have to shout to be heard over the loudness of her clothing? I mean, Identity Thief was a success, and this one should be too, but come on. She’s got more talent than that.
