With Halloween officially over, theaters are starting to usher in more comedy and dramatic films in anticipation of the approaching holidays. This is a wonderful time to get out and ‘cleanse the pallet’ from horror films, while delving into lighter yet still stimulating movies. This time of year focuses on light-hearted and moving films that center around love and hope, while also premiering movies that are striving for upcoming Oscar nominations. This week we are off to a good start with two diverse comedies and a dramatic biography that have been anticipated to entertain thoroughly.
James Franco stars in the dramatic biography 127 Hours that will be coming to theaters this weekend. This provoking film centers around true life events which Franco portrays brilliantly. Aron Ralston, played by James Franco, is a mountain climber who enjoys this thrill and takes off for a typical climb in one of Utah’s mountains. However, this trip takes a turn for the worse when Ralston is suddenly trapped underneath a fallen boulder that smashes his arm. Unable to move and badly injured, Ralston is now stuck in a sequestered canyon with no hope of escaping. For 5 excruciating days he lays stuck, flashing though his life and the ones he loves. As these images come and go he suddenly comes to a realization that he needs to do whatever he can to get out and get found. So, does he have the courage and determination to overcome the odds and rescue his-self, or does he succumb to nature. This film is very captivating; an emotional and inspiring movie that will lift your spirits and astonish you till the very end.
Due Date is a no-holds-barred comedy that stars Robert Downey Jr and Zack Galifianakis as Peter Highman and Ethan Tremblay. This exhilarating film takes us on a journey with these two opposites as they find themselves on the road together. Peter is a tightly wound, soon-to-be father who takes life a little too seriously. He has no time for jokes and is focused on the straight path in life, this is until he meets Ethan; a carefree and eccentric man on his way to Hollywood to be an actor. At an Atlanta airport with no flights available and a wife in labor, Peter must catch a ride with Ethan in hopes of making it in time. This will not be a smooth trip however, as the pair experience car trouble, comical mishaps and hilarious shenanigans along the way. Yet despite all of these setbacks, both learn to confront their own personal issues and rely on each others differences to get through this troublesome but funny situation. If you liked the Steve Martin and John Candy version of this plot, (Planes, Trains and Automobiles) then you are sure to enjoy this film. Due Date is a hilarious comedy with adult themes that will have you laughing long after the credits roll.
Also being released soon is the family-friendly film Megamind. This animated PG film stars Will Ferrell as Megamind; a silly super-villain who adds a little fun into being bad. In this funny film, Megamind and Metro Man, voiced by Brad Pitt, are sent to Earth from their home planets when they are babies, and have taken on the roles they deem fit; Megamind as the villain and Metro Man as the hero. The two repeatedly go at it in Metro City with the usual cat and mouse type of antic until Megamind eventually rids Metro City of their beloved hero. With the city now in his hands, Megamind is finally able to rule the land; that is until he becomes increasingly bored. With no one to challenge him and the same routines every day, Megamind searches for a new foe. He thinks he has found this person in Hal; (voiced by Jonah Hill) a cameraman for news reporter Roxanne, voiced by Tina Fey. However, when Hal decides to use his powers for evil Megamind must become the new hero despite his bad guy instincts. This animated comedy is very cute and witty; a great movie for all ages.
These three films are an entertaining way to start off November and enjoy a little levity. Take advantage of this time to get out and enjoy yourself before the hectic holidays begin.