Here’s what to watch for this coming week in film and television:
Film Releases for Mar. 21:
“Divergent”
Lionsgate Films’ “Divergent” comes in the wake of the recent uproar of young adult dystopian novels being adapted to film, among them “The Hunger Games” and the upcoming “Maze Runner,” but has received a rather unwarm welcome from the critics. Currently sporting a low 24 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has been berated for being flat and entirely too long. The film stars Shailine Woodley, Theo James and Kate Winslet.
See it or skip it? Skip it.
“Muppets Most Wanted”
Jim Henson’s The Muppets are back for the attack in “Muppets Most Wanted,” and they haven’t been this great since the original “Muppet Movie” in 1979. The Muppets are normally renowned for the witty, humorous characters they are, but since the most recent Muppet film in 2011, they seem to thrive primarily on celebrity appearances rather than the actual puppets themselves. With “Muppets Most Wanted,” however, there’s a proper balance between star power and The Muppets, making a fairly enjoyable comedy for all ages.
See it or skip it? See it!
Television:
“Believe”
Lovers of “Fringe” and “Continuum” rejoice! NBC’s new sci-fi television show “Believe” is a similar show, and an exhilarating one at that. Written by Alfonso Cuaron (the brilliant director of “Children of Men” and the Oscar-winning “Gravity”) and executively produced by J.J. Abrams (producer of “Fringe” and director of “Star Trek”), “Believe” follows the unlikely bond between a very special little girl named Bo and an escaped ex-convict who is hired to protect her. It’s fast-paced, refreshing cable TV.
See it or skip it? See it!
“Hannibal”
This week on “Hannibal,” Special Agent Beverly continues to work on the mural-killer case and secretly consults Will, against Jack Crawford’s command. Suspicions also begin to slowly rise about Dr. Lecter. “Hannibal” never stops proving itself again and again with its beautiful visuals, enthralling storyline and excellent performances from actors Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy. This week is sure to be a treat.
See it or skip it? See it!
Blu-ray and DVD Releases for Mar. 25:
“The Wolf of Wall Street”
This is a film that should come with a warning label for the masses. Martin Scorsese’s newest film is controversial and has sparked much outrage with many different organizations, but critics, along with myself, have praised it for its courage to stand out among the many films released in its year. It’s an epic poem on greed and excess, constantly questioning the audience’s own morals. “The Wolf of Wall Street” was ranked No. 1 on my Top 15 Films of 2013, and I couldn’t recommend it enough – but it’s certainly not for the faint of heart.
See it or skip it? See it!
“The Great Beauty” (Criterion Collection)
Winner of Best Foreign Language Film at The Oscars, Paolo Sorrentino’s gorgeous film “The Great Beauty” is getting the Criterion treatment and is being released in a dual format (Blu-ray/DVD) set, with plenty of supplemental features as well. Tony Servillo (“Gomorrah”) stars as journalist Jep Gambardella, who has charmed and seduced his way throughout his entire life. With his new novel on the way, and his life going seemingly fine, Tony receives a shock from the past, as his old ways begin to take a toll. Conjuring the likes of Italian director Federico Fellini, Sorrentino has directed his masterpiece, and it’s a deeply ambitious project.
See it or skip it? See it!
