New Releases: April 17, 2015

1. Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (Sony/Columbia, 3,633 Theaters, 94 Minutes, Rated PG for some violence, Rotten Tomatoes: 0% fresh [8 Reviews]):  I thought Paul Blart: Mall Cop was an enjoyable film if you looked at it as a parody of the Die Hard brand of films, with the ultra schlubby Kevin James pointing out the absurdity of the ‘average joe fighting terrorists” concept.

However, even saying that, there really was no need for a sequel. Well, other than the fact that the first one made a boatload of money that is.

This time, Blart heads to Las Vegas to attend a security guard convention. Unfortunately for him, his teenage daughter is kidnapped in conjunction with a art heist. Blart has to prove that even if you take the cop out of the mall, you can’t take the cop out of the man.

2. Unfriended (Universal, 2,739 Theaters, 82 Minutes, Rated R for violent content, pervasive language, some sexuality, and drug and alcohol use – all involving teens, Rotten Tomatoes: 72% Fresh [50 Reviews]):  I have the distinct displeasure of having someone I am friends with on social media die. He’s gone, but his profile remains. It is creepy to be reminded of his birthday, or, worse, having games I play encourage me to send lives to him. He will celebrate no more birthdays, and the lives won’t help him now.

I do not wish to make light of my friend’s passing. It’s just that there is truth in the unsettling fact that a person’s cyber life can sometimes go on longer than their physical one. That is the real world horror this film is built upon, and I find that films that build upon real world fears are a slice above the average horror movie field.

On the year anniversary of her suicide, Laura Barns’s social media accounts reactivate. Her frenemies believe someone is playing a prank on them, but the CyberLaura knows things only the dead Laura would know about them. It looks like Laura is back from the dead and she is looking for vengeance. And she won’t stop until each and every one of her so-called friends joins her in the grave.

3. Monkey Kingdom (Disney, 2,012 Theaters, 81 Minutes, Rated G, Rotten Tomatoes: 89% Fresh [27 Reviews]): In what has become an Earth Day tradition, Disney is releasing yet another nature documentary.

This time, the film follows a group of monkeys in  Sri Lanka who must deal with finding a new home when a rival monkey tribe forces them out of their home. Complicating matters the fact that one of the displaced group is a new mother, and must undergo the arduous journey with an infant.

If you are looking for a fun, educational and wholesome film to take you kid to this weekend, this one might just be the ticket. If you need more encouragement, portions of the ticket sales go to Conservation International.