This week, things get small and thing get purged in our new releases.
1. The First Purge (Opened Wednesday, Universal, 3,031 Theaters, 98 Minutes, Rated R for strong disturbing violence throughout, pervasive language, some sexuality and drug use, Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer at press time: 53% Fresh [101 Reviews]): This franchise fascinates me. From a filmmaking perspective, this series shows you do not have to spend a lot of money to make a profit. This film cost $13 million to make, a paltry sum in regards to other films but the most of the four films, and has already made its money back in just two days in release.
But the franchise isn’t afraid to shy away from social and political commentary in its narrative. You rarely find that in any “serious” film these days, let alone a horror movie. And the commentary seems more pointed today than ever in today’s aggressive political landscape. However, one has to ask if the people the film is pointing a negative light at understand that or just view the film as wish fulfillment.
This film details the first purge (duh!) and shows that the idea of all crime being legal didn’t catch on all that easy, and it was up to the government to give it a push in the right direction.
2. Ant-Man and the Wasp (Disney, 4,206 Theaters, 118 Minutes, Rated PG – 13 for some sci – fi action violence, Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer at press time: 87% Fresh [194 Reviews]): I have to say, I find the first Ant-Man mid-range MCU. I don’t hate it, I’ll watch it if it was on, but I find the behind-the scenes drama the most interesting part of the film. That behind-the-scenes drama is something the sequel doesn’t have.
However, what it does have is the honor of being the first film to come after the carnage that was the ending of Avengers: Infinity War (and don’t be throwing shade at me about spoilers. It’s been out for over two months, is coming out on digital by the end of this month. If you haven’t gotten around to seeing that movie, you deserve to have it spoiled.) There is a lot of curiosity about how this film and its characters will fit in with the Thanos’ snapocalypse.
The film sees Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) on the outs with Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) after his involvement with Captain America during Captain America: Civil War. However, when Scott’s past trip to the quantum realm gives clues to Hank and Hope as to where Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) is inside the realm, the trio must reunite to try and find her. Standing in their way is The Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), who also has a mysterious connection to the Quantum Realm as well.
Next week, a scary Friday the 13th involves a sppoky vacation and jumping from skyscrapers. See you then.
