This week’s new releases are a sequel to a well-regarded action film and a soft drink commercial expanded to 103 minutes.
1.
Sicario: Day of the Soldado (Sony/Columbia, 3,055 Theaters, 122 Minutes, Rated R for strong violence, bloody images, and language, Rotten Tomatometer at Press Time: 65% Fresh [112 Reviews]): The first Sicario film was one that exceed expectations, became a critical darling, and made a name for director Dennis Villeneuve. But I didn’t expect it to garner a sequel, especially not during summer blockbuster season.
But it did, because here it is. Gillick (Benicio del Toro) and Graver (Josh Brolin) are back fighting drug lords. But when the kidnapping of a drug lord’s daughter goes awry, their tenuous partnership explodes into all-out conflict.
This film seems to be a dumber, more action ready progression from the first film. I don’t expect that the sequel will land on man critic’s best of 2018 lists.
2. Uncle Drew (Lionsgate/Summit, 2,742 Theaters, 103 Minutes, Rated PG-13 for suggestive material, language and brief nudity, Rotten Tomatometer at Press Time: 56% Fresh [34 Reviews]): So, lets see. We’ve had amusement park rides adapted into films, board games adapted into films, and now Pepsi MAX commercials adapted into films. Can’t wait to see them try to make a film out of the Nutritional Information on the box of Cheerios.
Yes, this film stars Boston Celtic Point Guard Kyrie Irving reprising his “Uncle Drew” characters from a series of Pepsi MAX commercials for 2012. The film focuses on him trying to get his old team together, starring former NBAers who are far closer to the ages they are playing than Irving is, in order to win the Rucker Classic street ball tournament.
I don’t know what to say about this film. It’s taking a one-note concept and trying to expand it out to a full length film. If you loved the Pepsi MAX commercials, then you might like this one.
Next week, the new releases get small. Join us then.
