1. The Family (Relativity, 3,091 Theaters, 110 Minutes, Rated R): Robert DeNiro has done more mafia parts than I can count. Michelle Pfeiffer has done her own share of acting in organized crime films. And Tommy Lee Jones has made a cottage industry on playing law & order types. So, what’s new about this movie?
Well, for one it’s written and directed by Luc Besson of La Femme Nikita, The Professional and The Fifth Element fame. And the family is in the witness protection program in France (which seems to be a bit out of the jurisdiction of the American witness protection program, but what do I know), which is a change.
However, the plot isn’t all that original. The family falls back on the criminal ways while in hiding, endangering their cover and putting them at risk of being discovered, is essentially the same plot as the 1990 Steve Martin/Rick Moranis film, My Blue Heaven. I liked that movie, and I don’t think taking a more down to earth approach on the comedy will be that much of an improvement.
2. Insidious Chapter 2 (FilmDistrict, 3,049 Theaters,105 Minutes, Rated PG-13): Insidious was a surprise hit back in 2011, both with audiences and critics. And if anyone saw that film, you’d know that a sequel would be coming. Well, here it is.
Everything has gone back to normal with the Lambert family after they got their son Dalton back from the Further. Well, except for father Josh (Patrick Wilson). He has changed in sinister and nefarious ways. Did he bring something back from the Further, and, if so, how can the send it back?
Friday the 13th is made for a horror films and this one should do fairly well. But the premise is already stretched a bit thin. Here’s to hoping this one actually has an ending and not a set up for Insidious Chapter 3.
