Critical Mass: Week of 10/19
October 18th, 2007, 5:58 pm by Mike Moody
Vampires, detectives, drama and fart jokes. There’s something for almost everyone opening in local theaters this week (except for you, Wes Anderson fan. “The Darjeeling Limited” still aint showing here). Read on to find out what the critics are saying about this week’s new releases. Yep, it’s Critical Mass.
- ‘30 Days of Night’
Tomatometer 44%, Metascore 51
Based on the horror graphic novel, a pack of bloodthirsty, and kinda blue-colored, vampires feeds on the residents of a small Alaskan town during winter’s prolonged darkness. Ben Foster stars as a nutcase, Josh Hartnett is the hero and Sam “Spider-Man” Raimi is the producer. Sounds like fun, no? Maybe. The critics are pretty split, but most say this horror flick packs some cool thrills.
“Excels at bloodthirsty action. … Result is a mixed bag but has a catchy premise and quite enough splatter to satisfy gorehounds.” -Variety
“Makes you feel the cold and feel the fangs, but it also makes you feel like 30 days is a pretty long time.” -Chicago Tribune
“This is a full-on, non-stop horror film. You’re either on the bus or off the bus. But if you are on, you’re hanging on with both hands.” - Arizona Republic
- ‘Gone Baby Gone’
Tomatometer 91%, Metascore 72
Ben Affleck’s directorial debut about the mystery involving the abduction of a young girl is easily the best reviewed film this week. Ben’s brother Casey stars with Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris and many Boston locals who, the critics say, give the flick an authentic and gritty feel.
“The brothers Affleck both emerge triumphant in this mesmerizing thriller.” -Rolling Stone
“Affleck shows excellent instincts, not least of which is letting his brother, Casey, hold the center…” -Entertainment Weekly
“Mordant, melancholic but impressive debut for director Affleck.” - Hollywood Reporter
