It looks like a pretty bleak weekend for new movies, according to most major critics.
None of the big new flicks this week are impressing anybody, and one of them (“Dragon Wars”) wasn’t even screened for critics - which means it probably stinks, but who couldn’t tell that from the previews? “The Brave One” has most critics split, but they’re pretty unanimous in their disdain for “Mr. Woodcock.“
So, want some quick help deciding what to spend that $8 bucks on this weekend? Behold, Critical Mass …
The Brave One
Tomato Meter 52%, Meta Score 55
Neil Jordan (’The Crying Game”) directs Jodie Foster in a gritty vigilante tale that most seem to agree is little more than a one-note vehicle for Foster that sinks in the third act. A lot of the reviews praise Foster’s performance but condemn the movie for its moral ambiguity and a few unbelievable scenes. Some liked it though.
- “A smart, well-acted, engaging thriller” - IGN Movies
- “For all its sophistication and sensitivity, it turns out to be little more than an upscale B-movie about getting even.” - Austin Chronicle
- “Little in this hushed vigilante drama makes sense.” - Entertainment Weekly
Mr. Woodcock
Tomato Meter 18% (ouch!), Meta Score 42
Yeah, apparently this Stiffler vs Sling Blade romp is as bad as it looks. All the critics either hate it or think it’s pretty “meh.” The following quote says it all:
- “There’s more genuine humor to be gleaned from saying ‘Woodcock’ over and over again than from watching ‘Mr. Woodcock.’” - Variety
Dragon Wars
The studio kept this fire-breathing baby far from critical eyes in the U.S., but it was a big hit in Korea. I know I’ll eventually watch this ridiculous-looking freak show only because the Web site is unintentionally hilarious and it stars Jason Behr from one of my and my wife’s fav TV shows, “Roswell.” (Where are the roles for Nick Wechsler?)
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Photo courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures
