Variety of films hit theaters this weekend
Written by Phil Cerroni
By Matt Mungle
In 2007 audiences were scared out of their seats by a little low budget film called Paranormal Activity. The film cost around $15,000 to make and grossed nearly 200 million. So it is no wonder that they saw a cash cow and kept cranking them out.
Now sadly, we are up to the 4th installment. I say sadly because I am afraid (no pun intended) that the nostalgia of the first one will soon be lost like those of Jason and little Michael Meyers. Paranormal Activity 4 didn't screen early enough to make this article, but I can tell from the trailers that this one is going to be just as insomnia inducing as the others. It has an R rating and for good reason.
If you like your chills and thrills more in the mystery crime arena then maybe you are better suited for Alex Cross, also releasing this weekend in theaters. Tyler Perry takes up the role as Dr. Alex Cross this time around. Many of us remember Morgan Freeman in the role back in 1997 and 2001.
I for one have a hard time getting on board with Perry. Granted he is a stronger actor and will bring a more physical presence to this installment, but Freeman had this quiet calculating persona that I think better fit the book series. In this film, Cross is informed of the murder of a family member and has to track down the killer.
Fans of the books will find similar plot points in the book titled Cross, though the connections are few. If the studio decides to turn all of Patterson's Cross books into films, Perry might find himself staying busy. Though at this time there are none in production. As long as Madea doesn't show up in this film, I will be happy. Alex Cross is rated PG-13 for violence including disturbing images, sexual content, language, drug references, and nudity. Probably more suited for those 16 and over.
Finally if you think all of this is just fluff and want something more artistic and socially relevant then you can check out Diana Vreeland: The Eye has to Travel opening this weekend at The Magnolia theater. This PG-13 (for some nude images) documentary takes a look at the life and work of the influential fashion editor of Harpers Bazaar, Diana Vreeland.
Want to watch in the comfort of your own home? These films hit blu-ray shelves earlier this week.
* Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
* Chernobyl Diaries
* That's My Boy
* Moonrise Kingdom
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