What to Watch This Coming Week:
Film Releases for Mar. 7 – Mar. 13:
This week in film, Sparta seeks revenge against the Persian army in the subpar sequel “300: Rise of an Empire,” a famous concierge befriends a lobby boy in Wes Anderson’s charming “Grand Budapest Hotel,” and a mischievous boy and his intellectually inclined dog come to the big screen in “Mr. Peabody & Sherman.”
“300: Rise of an Empire”
A sequel to Zack Snyder’s visually delectable “300”, “Rise of an Empire” comes riding into theaters this weekend. Based on Frank Miller’s latest graphic novel focusing on the war between Sparta and Persia, this lackluster sequel takes the action from land to sea as Spartan general Themistokles tries to unite his brothers to charge against Persia. It’s “300” all over again, only this time they’re battling on the ocean. This self-titled “new chapter” fails to bring any substance to an already superficial franchise.
See it or Skip it? Skip it.
“The Grand Budapest Hotel”
As with most of Anderson’s colorful films, the magic in “The Grand Budapest Hotel” is found in its cast, along with its beautiful production design. Starring Ralph Fiennes, Saoirse Ronan, Jude Law, Harvey Keitel, Tilda Swinton, Willem Dafoe, Edward Norton and many other character actors, the film follows legendary hotel concierge Gustave H. (Fiennes) as he recounts his adventures with his unlikely friend and lobby boy, Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori). It’s a deeply pleasurable treat – but only for those who are familiar with Wes Anderson’s other films.
See it or Skip it? See it!
“Mr. Peabody & Sherman”
Originally a cartoon on the small screen from the ’50s and ’60s, this animated reboot follows the world’s most accomplished dog, Mr. Peabody, as he and his human, Sherman, travel back in time to save the world. The characters in the original show were written as television characters for a reason – the length of a TV show is the appropriate time for these two to make the jokes they need. Putting the characters in a movie seems too much for the writers, as they try every gimmick in the book to fill an extra 65 minutes or so. Although cheerful, and probably a lot of fun for smaller children, this is a rather unneeded reboot of a rather insignificant television show. Don’t be surprised to hear many kids ask, “Who is Mr. Peabody and Sherman?”
See it or Skip it? See it, if you find yourself on a Sunday afternoon with 92 minutes to waste.
Television:
“True Detective”
As Nic Pizzolatto’s brilliant series comes to a close this Sunday, we’ll finally find out who The Yellow King is, what “Carcosa” means, and where Rust and Marty’s friendship will go after this 17-year debacle is solved. Thus far, “True Detective” has proven itself as the best series on television right now – boasting absolutely tremendous performances from the now Oscar-winning Matthew McConaughey and the never-disappointing Woody Harrellson. After an amazing eight-episode run, the season finale airs this Sunday at 10 on HBO.
See it or Skip it? See it!
“Hannibal”
Hannibal returns once again for its second episode of the second season – and it promises to be as intense as ever. Last week we left off with everyone’s favorite cannibalistic forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Lecter, taking over Will Graham’s position as investigator. The beginning of last week’s episode left us with an edge-of-your-seat flash-forward of a shocking, brutal fight between Jack and Hannibal. The ending left us with a brutal series of murders for the team to investigate. Hopefully, we see more of that this Friday at 10 on NBC.
See it or Skip it? See it!
DVD Releases for Mar. 11:
“Inside Llewyn Davis”
This is one of the rare films you absolutely have to see a second time to fully appreciate. Even then, you might want to view it a time or two more. The heart-sinking sadness of its soundtrack, the vintage cigarette smell of its glowing cinematography, the rounded, philosophical approach of its screenplay – many aspects of this film are deep, but it carries itself lightly. This rather sad look into the life of a desperate musician is lifted with wings of humor that only the Coen Brothers could write.
See it or Skip it? See it!
“Out of the Furnace”
With its blue-collar themes and emotional punches, “Out of the Furnace” was one of the best films of 2013, even if it flew under almost everyone’s radar. The film follows Russell Blaze (Christian Bale, in yet another powerful performance) as he tracks down his missing brother (Casey Affleck) and eventually discovers an entirely different underworld run by the merciless Harlan DeGroat (Woody Harellson). It’s disturbing, southern fiction, but it’s very worth a watch or two.
See it or Skip it? See it!
