Longtime local film critic Hap Erstein reviews some of the biggest recently released movies and tells us how we can get a whole lot of Dumbledore this wknd.
Only one new film has opened around the country this week, we'll link you up to information on that. But, Hap Erstein with PalmBeachArtsPaper.com will give us his reviews of some recent releases, since we missed you last week. There is also information on a "Lord of the Rings" trilogy...all three films back-to-back at theaters this weekend only. It's to get fans psyched up for "The Hobbit".
Friday's lone release:
"Playing for Keeps" - Gerard Butler stars in another romantic comedy, this time with the sexy Jessica Biel. He's a former soccer star who has returned home and you guessed it, looks to rekindle his romance with his former lady.
More movies at theaters this weekend:
"Silver Linings Playbook" - Bradley Cooper stars in a part unlike the ones he usually picks. He fights mental illness and meets his female counterpart, played by Jennifer Lawrence. Is it comedy, or drama? You decide. Robert Deniro puts in what Hap calls an "Oscar-worthy" performance.
"Anna Karenina" - Keira Knightley stars in the third theatrical adaptation of a novel by Leo Tolstoy. Hap's not convinced by Keira's acting, or the lack therof.
"Killing Them Softly" - Hap says this is a Quentin Tarantino-inspired film, without the Tarantino. It stars Brad Pitt, James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano) and Ray Liotta, who in Hap's words has "done this before".
"Lord of the Rings" Trilogy - The new film "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" comes out Dec. 14, which is about a character from the "Ring" films, but diehard fans of the series of movies can see all three of them, back-to-back. Hap and Joel Malkin, who has never seen a "Lord of the Ring" film in his life, talk about why folks should consider taking in the 9+ hours of cinematic fun.
Hap's Art House Pick of the Week
"A Late Quartet" - Christopher Walken, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener are among the recognizable names in this art film, which Hap believes just might draw some commercial film-goers.
