1. The Martian (Fox, 3,831 Theaters, 141 Minutes, Rated PG-13 for some strong language, injury images, and brief nudity, Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer at press time: 92% Fresh [158 Reviews]): A cornucopia of riches this week in the new releases, as both films are over 90% fresh. Maybe its a weekend to see two?
This film is based on the novel by Andy Weir. Matt Damon plays an astronaut thought killed on a mission to Mars who must find a way to survive until help arrives.
It’s a pretty simple concept, but sometimes that’s all you need for a great film. This one has a great cast, great reviews and Oscar buzz. It looks like the kind of film that will be great, no matter what stupid thing Damon says next.
2. Sicario (Opening Wide, Lionsgate, 2,620 Theaters, 121 Minutes, Rated R for strong violence, grisly images, and language,Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer at press time: 93% Fresh [138 Reviews]): Even though the trend is for some drugs to achieve legalization, there is still a very active drug war in America. And its a war that bring the same kind of scars any war does. This film exposes those scars.
Emily Blunt plays an idealistic FBI agent tapped to join a special task force formed to fight the traffic of drugs on the U.S.-Mexico border. Her idealism falls by the wayside as she discovers exactly what she has to do to win the battles with the drug lords.
This is a rare action film with a female lead. The premise is interesting, so we shall see if it can prove the myth that women can’t be successful in action films is wrong.
